GonsumerReports*
ACCOKD
BUYING GUIDE 2015
VEHICLES
REVIEWED
lv!L>eCtDt£-tJLH2
IjLA
TACTICS
TO SAVE
FEATURES
6 I CHOOSE THE
RIGHT VEHICLE
8 Key questions to ask yourself
9 Cars owners love
10 Factors to consider
13 Time to research
14 I STRETCH YOUR
FUEL ECONOMY
15 Compare MPG
16 Do hybrids and diesels save money?
18 Plug-ins and electrics
25 Alternative-fuel vehicles
26 TEST DRIVES
27 Plan your test-drive day
28 Pre-drive inspection
33 Getting on the road
35 After the test-drive
RATINGS &
REFERENCE GUIDE SECTION
78 1 MODELS BY CATEGORY
224 1
ROAD-TEST HIGHLIGHTS
80 1 VEHICLE RATINGS
230 1
CRASH-TEST RESULTS
96 1 GUIDE TO PROFILES
98 1 252 VEHICLE PROFILES
236 1
1 VEHICLE DIMENSIONS
FEATURES
To navigate the world of leasing you may
> I
need to learn a new language.
58
Should you trade in your old car... or sell it yourself?
36
1 AUTOMOBILE FINANCING
37
How much can you afford?
39
Understanding your credit score
41
Where to shop for a loan
42
Get pre-approved for a loan
42
Auto financing alternatives
44 1
1 THE NEW FACE OF LEASING
45
The changing landscape
46
Pros and cons
48
Understanding leasing
50
Doing the deal
54
1 GET TOP DOLLAR FOR
YOUR OLD CAR
55
What's your car worth?
56
Maximizing your car's curb appeal
59
Trading in: Less effort & money
59
Selling it yourself: More effort & money
62 1
DEALING WITH THE DEALER
63
Ready for action?
63
The easy way out
64
Internet buying services
65
Face-to-face negotiations
66
Negotiate effectively
68
The finance office
70 1
HOW TO CHOOSE INSURANCE
71
Key elements
72
10 Ways to save on insurance
75
Insurance company Ratings
Biofuels are just one part of the
guest for better mileage.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 1
EDITOR'S NOTE
Gonsumemepoits*
It gets easier NEW CAR
BUYING GUIDE 2015
Lets face it: the car
buying process is a major
pain. For the majority of
consumers, buying a new
car is akin to dealing with
the IRS, CIA, and an angry
spouse — at the same time.
Even when you know exactly
what you want, dealing with
the car dealer can feel like
crossing a minefield. Its no
surprise that people routinely
say they’d rather go to the
dentist than go through the process of buying a car.
So take a deep breath and relax, because we’re here to
help. The Consumer Reports automotive staff has created
this revised and updated issue of New Car Buying Guide
to be your road map through the car-buying jungle of
doubt and indecision.
Here you’ll find the most comprehensive advice we offer
in any printed publication. We help simplify the car-buying
process with step-by-step guidance on how to determine
your budget and price range, find the right vehicle for your
needs, set up the most advantageous financing, and get the
most from your test drive.
We also tell you about dealer tricks to be wary of, extra-
cost items you can live without, and how to get the lowest
price — even if you hate haggling.
Then we back up this expert advice with full Ratings
on more than 250 vehicles, guiding you to the best in each
category and helping you avoid the worst. We also provide
reviews on all major models, as well as reliability info and
easy-to-use comparison charts.
For more details on how Consumer Reports is different
from all of the other car information available in print and
on the web, read about who we are on page 3.
Buying a new car is an exciting event, one that shouldn’t
be ruined by a bad experience at the dealer. And we would
love to share in that excitement with you. So connect with
us on ConsumerReports.org or through Facebook, Twitter,
and Instagram, and let us know how your next buying
experience goes!
— Jon Linkov, Cars Deputy Editor
and CR’s Auto Test team
President & CEO Marta Tellado
Chief Operating Officer Richard Gannon
Vice President Print Products & Digital Editions Brent Diamond
Vice President, Integrated Content Creation Liam McCormack
Senior Director, Content Strategy & Development Diane Salvatore
Director, Auto Testing Jake Fisher
Director, Auto Test Operations Jennifer Stockburger
Senior Director, Product Testing Mark Connelly
Director, Consumer Safety & Sustainability Urvashi Rangan
CARS CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
Cars Content Development Team Leader Mark Rechtin
Cars Deputy Content Editor Jon Linkov
Cars Deputy Content Editor Jeff Bartlett
Senior Editor Gordon Hard
Senior Associate Editor Eric Evarts
Senior Associate Editor George Kennedy
Associate Editor Jim Travers
MAGAZINES & NEWSLETTER PRODUCTS
Design Director Timothy LaPalme
Design Manager Rosemary Simmons
Senior Art Director Lisa Slater
Prepress Color Associates Frank Collado, Mark Linder
Contributing Photographers John Walsh, Tracey Kroll
Editorial Production Associate Terri Kazin
Associate Director, Editorial Research Jane Healey
Assistant Decarris Bryant
Auto Test Center Erik Dill, Facilities Manager; Anita Lam, Data Program Manager; Eugene
Petersen, Tire Program Manager; Gabriel Shenhar, Program Manager, Special Publications;
Thomas Mutchler, Program Manager, User Interface; Shawn Sinclair, Automotive Engineer; John
Ibbotson, Workshop Supervisor; Michael Quincy, Auto Content Specialist; Seung Min "Mel" Yu,
Automotive Analyst; Mary Reed, Business Manager; Donna Johnson, Administration; Michael
Bloch, Erank Chamberlain, Michael Jascot, Chris Jones, Ryan Pszczolkowski, Edward Smith, Joseph
Veselak
Content Strategy & Development Nancy Crowfoot, Associate Director, Scheduling;
Diane Chesler, Associate
Content Operations David Eox, Director; William Breglio, Manager, Content Production;
Anthony Terzo, Content Production Coordinator; Wayne Lizardi, Imaging Associate; Eugene
Chin, Project Leader, Content Production; Dawn Yancy, Associate
Content Quality Management & Pianning Frank lacopelli. Director
Statistics Michael Saccucci, Director; Keith Newsom-Stewart, Martin Romm, Program
Leaders; Yunxuan Chang, Statistician
Survey Research Steven Witten, Director; Donato Vaccaro, Associate Director; Simon
Slater, Survey Research Associate
Consumer Insight Ed Farrell, Director; Michelle Leonard, Andrew Vogel, Karen Hoffman,
Senior Research Associates; Robert Huerster, Dirk Klingner, Senior Research Analysts
Print Product Management Patricia McSorley, Associate Director, Newsstand Marketing
Purchasing Steven Schiavone, Associate Director, Publishing Operations
Communications Office Douglas Love, Associate Director; Charles Fields, Senior
Communications Counsel
Executive Staff Vice Presidents Rahul Belani, Chief Technology Officer; Ricardo Castro,
Executive Vice President; Eileen Hershenov, General Counsel; Robert McEwen, Communications;
Christopher Meyer, Public Policy & External Affairs; Eric Wayne, Chief Financial Officer
CONSUMER REPORTS NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 (ISSN 1044-3045)
’ ■ ^ is published by Consumers Union of U.S., Inc., 101 Truman Ave., Yonkers,
NY 10703-1057. CONSUMER REPORTS NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 is
registered in the U.S. Patent Office. Contents of this issue copyright 2014
by Consumers Union of U.S., Inc. All rights reserved under international and
Pan-American copyright conventions.
The information in NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 is intended solely for
the use of its readers and may not be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose.
Consumers Union will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized use of its materials, its
name, or the name of CONSUMER REPORTS. Reproduction of this publication in whole or in part
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2 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Consumer Reports:
Who we are
We are Consumer Reports, the world’s
pre-eminent, independent, nonprofit,
consumer-product testing organization.
Results of our tests and surveys appear
on ConsumerReports.org, in Consumer
Reports magazine, across social media,
and in books like this one, the 2015 New
Car Buying Guide.
This book not only helps you choose
what car to buy, but advises how to buy it.
Inside you’ll find a wealth of information
about the 2015 cars, SUVs, and trucks:
what models are available and how they
compare in performance, reliability, fuel
economy, and safety. We also give you
expert advice on how to determine what
you can afford, the best ways to shop, and
how to get the most for your money —
even if you hate haggling.
Consumer Reports stands out from
the crowd in a number of ways:
We don't accept outside advertising.
Our income comes from subscriptions.
sales of books like this one, and dona-
tions from individuals. This way we can
call it like we see it, rather than how
advertisers want us to see it.
We think for ourselves. We rely
solely on our own evaluations and direct
experience. Manufacturers’ claims and
enthusiast reviews don’t sway us.
We buy our own test cars. Just like
any other consumer, we buy from dealers
and bargain for the best price. That
way we don’t have to depend on freebies
from carmakers, as most other car
reviewers do.
State-of-the-art test facilities. Our
auto test track allows us to evaluate and
test every car under similar conditions,
and to safely drive them to their
extreme limits.
Unique reliability data. Our reliability
Ratings are derived from our Annual Auto
Survey; with data on more than 1.1 mil-
lion vehicles it’s the largest of its kind.
What we do
Our primary mission is to serve the
consumer with objective, practical infor-
mation and buying guidance, based
on the results of our vehicle tests, con-
sumer surveys, and long experience
analyzing the auto industry and the retail
scene.
How we test cars
Situated on 327 acres in rural Connecti-
cut, the Consumer Reports Auto Test
Center is home to some 30 staff mem-
bers — automotive engineers, auto writers
and editors, technicians, analysts, and
support staff They take turns anony-
mously buying each of the 80 or so cars
and trucks tested each year. The team
then drive each car thousands of miles
over several months.
Our evaluations consist of more
than 50 individual tests. Some, like accel-
eration, braking, and fuel economy, are
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 3
objective, instrumented tests using state-
of-the-art electronic gear.
Others, such as seat comfort, conve-
nience, ease-of-use of controls, and
ride quality are more subjective, graded
by a jury of auto -test staffers. Each
of them has evaluated hundreds of cars
over many years. They spend a lot of
time behind the wheel of each car, both
at our facility and in everyday driving
and longer trips.
Sometimes the subjective evaluations
are more meaningful than a stopwatch,
tape measure, or microphone. A car
might post a short sprint time accelerat-
ing from 0 to 60 mph, for instance, but
just doesn’t feel very quick. Likewise,
instruments can tell you how loud the
noise penetrating the cabin is, but not
whether it’s a pleasing exhaust snarl
or a raucous engine drone. That’s where
jury tests are more telling.
Separate evaluations cover controls
and displays, cabin and trunk space, fit
and finish, and seat-belt comfort.
The track itself is actually a series of
interconnected test areas. The main
straightaway is a smooth, flat, 4,400-foot
asphalt strip that runs into a 3,500-foot
handling course of undulating turns of
varying radius and elevation.
Other zones include a kidney-jittering
ride- evaluation course, skid pad to test a
car’s lateral grip while driving at increas-
ing speeds around a 75-foot-diameter
circle, and a brake-test straightaway —
one that can also be flooded — to measure
stopping distances on both dry and wet
pavement.
Many trials are industry-standard
tests but some are unique to us:
Emergency-handling tests are two-
fold. One involves driving the cars up
to and beyond their limits on our road
course. The other, an accident-avoidance
course, simulates the maneuver needed
to avoid running over a child, animal, or
object that suddenly appears in your lane
of travel.
Fuel-economy tests, independent of
government and auto-company claims,
use a precision fuel meter spliced into the
car’s fuel line. A stop-and-go city-driving
simulation is conducted at the track,
while highway fuel economy is logged at
a steady 65 mph on a straight stretch of
public highway. CR’s overall fuel-economy
numbers are derived from those fuel con-
sumption tests.
Headlights are evaluated by both in-
strumented tests and on a night-time
course lined with a series of black targets
set up specified distances apart.
In addition to vehicle testing, we eval-
uate child seats and tires:
Child seats. Every car is evaluated to see
how easy it is to install a variety of child
seats and get them cinched up securely.
Crash-testing for child seats is conducted
at an outside contract lab using a test pro-
tocol Consumer Reports devised.
Tires. CR is the only independent
organization that performs exhaustive
tire-rating tests for consumers. The
tire-test program evaluates most com-
mon types of car and SUV tires, from
all-seasons to ultra-high performance
and winter tires. We conduct our
snow testing at a ski area located in
Northern Vermont.
Vehicle Reliability
Consumer Reports provides the most comprehensive reliability information
available to consumers. Reliability scores come from analyzing the results
of an annual survey of Consumer Reports subscribers. The latest survey drew
responses on more than a million cars. You'll find reliability Ratings with the
vehicle profiles starting on page 96.
It's important to note that reliability scores are independent of CR's road-test
scores. Reliability info comes from hundreds of thousands of car owners while the
road tests are based solely on cars CR has bought and tested.
4 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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HOW TO CHOOSE
Choose the
right vehicle
^ Knowing your needs in advance
helps you to narrow your choices
6 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
8
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
9
CARS OWNERS LOVE
10
FACTORS TO CONSIDER
13
TIME TO RESEARCH
With more than 30 major automobile brands offering about 250 models in an array
of trim lines, car buyers are faced with a potentially bewildering array of choices.
Car or SUV? What size? What brand? How comfortable is it? How fuel-efficient?
What s going to hold up best? How to decide? The key to finding what s right for you
is to make an assessment of your needs, and, of course, your budget. Everyone will
have their own priorities and preferences regarding comfort, convenience, power,
space, fuel economy, and reliability.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 7
HOW TO CHOOSE
No vehicle does everything perfectly
but many do a lot of things well. For
instance, you’ll find many cars with
good reliability that are also comfortable,
quiet, and fun to drive. But you still may
have to compromise somewhere. For
instance, there might be a trade-off
between a good ride and good handling.
Or you may wind up sacrificing fuel
economy in exchange for engine power
or cargo space.
This chapter will help you make
a short list of acceptable candidates.
We’ll tackle all the major vehicle types
and sieve out the most notable. Within
those types we’ll guide you to the best
we’ve found and point out others with
exceptional abilities. We’ll also tell
you about the cars our readers esteem
the most, and provide some tools to
take the guesswork out of the decision-
making process.
Key questions to
ask yourself
If you’re unsure what type of vehicle
will fit your needs best, begin by asking
yourself some basic questions. Your
objective is to find models that excel in
the areas that matter most to you.
How many people will you carry?
Most vehicles can hold five people,
although the center-rear position is often
so uncomfortable it barely qualifies as
a seat. That’s something to try out when
you’re taking test drives.
If you need to carry more people,
consider a minivan or a three-row SUV.
In small and midsized SUVs, however,
that seat may be more steerage-class than
coach, suitable only for children. Some-
thing to remember: when occupied, these
seats eat up nearly all the available cargo
space. Check the Dimensions charts,
starting on page 236, for third-row head,
shoulder, and leg room.
Two-door cars may have sporty
looks, but can be a source of frustration
if you’ll need to use the rear seat often.
Passengers have to twist and stoop to
get in, and folding the front seat to load
groceries or secure a child safety seat
back there gets old fast.
How much cargo do you carry? If
outdoor activities or hauling supplies
and equipment is a big part of your
life, then a minivan, wagon, or SUV is
your best bet.
A pickup truck is useful if you carry
heavy loads, material that would dirty
87 PERCENT OF PORSCHE
CAYENNE OWNERS WOULD
BUY THEIR SUV AGAIN.
8 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Would you buy that car again?
Which cars inspire the strongest
ioyaity? Consumer Reports' iat-
est Annuai Auto Survey answered
that by encouraging subscrib-
ers to vote on how satisfied they
were with their own 2012 to
2014 modeis.
it's no surprise that the fun
factor is number one. Right up
there too is the conviction that
their car is deiivering on a
promise of sportiness, iuxury,
orfuei efficiency.
Tops in the survey, for the
second year running, was
the Tesia Modei S, an eiectric
car that hit aii those targets
resoundingiy weii, garnering
a 98-percent endorsement
from owners.
Whether the Tesia's appeai
owes more to its exciusivity or
its sports-sedan credentiais is
impossibie to say, but the next
four were aiso sporty cars: the
Chevroiet Corvette and the
Porsche Cayenne, Cayman,
Boxster, and 911.
Rounding out the top ten are
the diesei-powered Mercedes-
Benz E250 BiueTec and BMW
328d, the gas-powered Audi A7,
and the Dodge Chaiienger.
On the whoie, peopie were
very satisfied with hybrids and
aiso with dieseis, refiecting
that fuei-economy concern. The
new Honda Accord Hybrid beat
out the Toyota Prius, which had
iong been our readers' favorite
non-piug-in hybrid.
Below are the most- and
least-satisfying models in
six major categories. The
percentages are the portion
of owners who said they'd
definitely get that car again
if they had it to do all over.
A * means data was derived
from just one model year.
Lowest-scoring models
in each section are tinted.
Electrics and Hybrids
% definitely
buy again
Tesla Model S
98
Chevrolet Volt
85
Honda Accord Hybrid*A
85
Ford Fusion Energi
84
Toyota Prius
82
Lexus 300h Hybrid
81
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
80
Kia Optima Hybrid
56
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
60
SUVs
% definitely
buy again
Porsche Cayenne
87
Chevrolet Suburban/
Tahoe
84
CMC Yukon/Yukon XL
84
Lexus LX
84
Subaru Forester
(non-turbo)*
83
Toyota Highlander V6*
82
Jeep Compass
43
Nissan Pathfinder
52
Dodge Journey
54
Kia Sorento (4-cyl)
56
Nissan Armada
57
Sports cars
% definitely
buy again
Chevrolet Corvette
Stingray*A
95
Porsche Cayman
91
Porsche Boxster
91
Porsche 911*
88
Dodge Challenger (V8)
86
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
58
Nissan 370Z
66
Midsized and
large sedans
% definitely
buy again
Dodge ChargerA
82
MazdaG*
81
Chevrolet Impala*
80
Volkswagen Passat TDI
80
Buick LaCrosse (4-cyl)
53
Volkswagen Passat
(V6)
56
Nissan Altima (V6)
57
Nissan Altima (4-cyl)
59
Luxury cars
% definitely
buy again
Mercedes-Benz E250
(diesel)*A
88
Audi A7
86
BMW 328d (diesel)*
86
Audi A6 (V6)
85
AudiAB
84
Infiniti 050*
54
Cadillac ATS (4-cyl)*
56
Acura ILX
57
Acura RLX*
59
Small cars
% definitely
buy again
Mazda3 (2.5L)*A
79
Mazda3 (2.0L)*
77
VW Beetle TDI (diesel)
76
VW Jetta TDI (diesel)
72
Toyota Corolla
71
Nissan Versa (sedan)
42
Kia Rio
46
Nissan Sentra
47
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 9
HOW TO CHOOSE
up the interior, or cargo too tall to fit
inside an enclosed vehicle. In fact, four-
door crew-cab pickups are the most
popular choice. But be aware: most have
a short bed. If your pickup isn’t a family
car and you’re in the trades, then you
might want to get a regular-cab pickup
with a longer bed.
Automatic or manual shift? While
the death of the manual transmission
may be exaggerated, the vast majority of
modern cars come only with automatic
transmissions. Still, in some cars a stick
can make the driving experience more
fun, while improving fuel- efficiency
at the same time. Many automatics now
provide a manual-shift mode that works
much like a manual transmission but
without a clutch. Manual-shift mode is
also handy when driving in mountain-
ous areas, because it provides more
control on long descents.
But in the end, as fun and practical
as stick shifts may be, they can be a chore
in stop-and-go traffic. In addition, mod-
ern six-, seven-, and eight-speed auto-
matics can help cars return fuel economy
as good — and sometimes better — than
the same car with a manual.
What's your driving style? Are you
a workaholic commuter, or a harried
mom or dad with daily carpool duty?
Perhaps you need daily practicality but
crave a modicum of fun for the commute
home or on weekends.
Taking a hard look at your driving
style and needs is key in choosing a vehi-
cle. If you are a real driving enthusiast
who wants to sense every aspect of the
driving experience, you’ll want to focus
on cars that emphasize quickness and
handling prowess. But lots of cars these
days serve up sporty handling without
sacrificing ride, comfort, and cargo space
the way many sporty cars do.
If you’re really into comfort more
than driving at the edge, you’ll probably
want to consider a sedan. Many models
fit the comfy-cruising mode, from mid-
sized and large sedans to mid-sized and
larger SUVs.
Power, fuel economy...or both? Most
vehicles are available with a variety of
engine and transmission combinations.
Usually one is a small, economical choice
while the other delivers more power, but
at the sacrifice of fuel economy. Often a
manufacturer will make the small engine
available only on base models or lower-
level trims, saving the stronger engine (s)
for more- expensive, uplevel versions.
Smaller cars and SUVs primarily use
four-cylinder engines. These often deliver
the best fuel economy, but lack the power
and smoothness of a V6. But for most
people, four-cylinders provide the best
mix of fuel economy and performance.
Turbocharging is becoming much
more prevalent because it can boost
power without hurting fuel economy
much. Many models that once used a V6
now have a turbocharged four-cylinder
instead, while turbo V6s have begun to
replace V8 engines in bigger cars and
trucks. Ford even uses small turbo V6s,
which deliver V8-like performance, in
the F-150 pickup truck.
Other fuel-savers include hybrids and
diesels. Hybirds typically return excel-
lent fuel economy in city or stop-and-go
traffic, while diesels excel at delivering
highway fuel economy.
On the following pages you’ll find
brief overviews of which cars fit which
needs. The vehicle profiles beginning
on page 96 provide more specifics on
the driving experience.
Factors to consider
Beyond driving style, engine size, and
vehicle type, you still need to consider
other factors, ones that aren’t so clear
when standing in a dealership.
This is where Consumer Reports
comes in. By buying and testing more
than 80 vehicles a year, we can give
you insights that can’t be gleaned from
a simple test drive.
Part of that process is compiling
real-world fuel economy data from our
tests. This isn’t mileage from tests done
in a lab. These are real figures from
driving the cars on our track and public
roads, they way you would drive the cars.
In addition, we provide detailed reli-
ability results from our Annual Owner
Survey. We survey our seven million
subscribers each year, asking them to tell
us about anything that went wrong with
their cars over the past year.
Finally, we compile the government
and insurance-industry crash-test results
in one place, so you can easily compare
10 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
TOP LEPT: GETTY IMAGES/ RANA EAURE
NHTSA crash test
L a _7
Side air bag
Rear-view camera
Safety considerations
Aii modern cars have a lot of safety gear such as seat belts, air bags, antilock brakes,
and electronic stability control, all of which have contributed to a steady, years-long
reduction in traffic fatalities. But not all cars will behave the same way in a crash or
protect occupants egually well.
Crash tests. You'll find crash-test results for current models in our "Safety and
Crash-Test Results" charts, which start on page 230. Frontal- and side-impact
crash tests are conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS; iihs.
org) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA; safercar.gov).
Accident avoidance. A vehicle's ability to help you avoid a crash is just as
important as its ability to protect you. Several factors contribute to a vehicle's
accident-avoidance capability, with the two most important being braking and
emergency handling. Consumer Reports provides an accident-avoidance Rating
on all tested vehicles, noted in the safety charts and model profiles.
Rollover resistance. Rollover accidents account for about 33 percent of all
vehicle occupant deaths. To help consumers compare vehicles, the NHTSA provides
a five-star rating system called the Rollover Resistance Rating (RRR). To see the
government's ratings, visit safercar.gov, click on the model's name and then click
on "Rollover."
Rear-impact protection. Although rear-enders have a low fatality rate they have
a high injury rate, especially for whiplash neck injuries. The design of a car's head
restraints and seats are critical factors in how severe a whiplash injury will be.
Consumer Reports evaluates
head restraints for all seating
positions in every tested vehicle.
Another good source for information
on rear-impact protection is the
IIHS website, iihs.org.
Blind zones. Every year, many
children and even adults are injured
or killed because drivers don't see
them while backing up. Some larger
vehicles, such as SUVs and pickups,
have huge blind zones-the area
behind a vehicle that the driver can't
see. One device that might mitigate
that is the rear-view camera, now
commonplace on every vehicle type.
We like those cameras, and
recommend them where they're not
standard eguipment, but there's no
substitute for checking around your
vehicle with your own eyeballs.
To check a vehicle's blind spot
yourself, sit in the driver's seat of a
parked vehicle while someone stands
in back and holds out a hand at
about waist level. Have the person
walk back slowly
you can see
the
through the
rear window. ‘ '
This will give
you an idea _
of how big
that vehicle's $ *
blind spot is.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 11
HOW TO CHOOSE
The truth about
four-and all-wheel drive
Many people buy sport-utility vehicles for
the extra security and traction of four- or
all-wheel drive. But there are technical
differences between the systems.
All-wheel drive is used in most SUVs and
cars like Subarus and Audis. In most driving
situations engine power is routed just to
the front wheels. But if the system detects
wheel slip, it automatically shifts power to
the wheels with the most grip.
Some all-wheel-drive systems are true
full-time systems, where power is always
routed to all four wheels. Still, even these
systems are biased, sending more power
to the front wheels during normal driving.
True four-wheel drive (4WD) is a
heavier-duty system used in pickup trucks
and a few truck-based SUVs. A 4WD system
usually has an additional, low-range gear
system for tough off-road situations. Some
newer all-wheel-drive systems have
electronic enhancements to mimic that,
enabling an AWD vehicle to crawl up
and down hills, for instance.
DRIVING TIP:
Having power at both axles doesn't help
in all situations. In fact, it aids traction only
when starting up from a stop and moving
in a straight line. It doesn't help at all when
braking or cornering. Unfortunately, many
people with AWD or 4WD use less caution
on slippery roads and drive faster than the
conditions dictate, only to find themselves
sliding off the road.
If you drive in cold climes consider
mounting winter tires. They can find grip
on snow and ice that all-season tires
cannot, no matter how many wheels are
being powered.
Most AWD systems mainly drive the
front wheels until slippage is detected.
In full-time systems, the wheels receive
power at all times.
12 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
vehicles in the same category.
Vehicles that do well in all of these
factors earn our recommendation.
CR Road Tests. Each year we buy
more than 80 vehicles to test, putting
them through at least 50 objective and
subjective tests. We then compile this
data and publish our vehicle Ratings,
where models are ranked against
their peers. Every month we publish a
road-test report on a group of vehicles
in a similar price range and category
in Consumer Reports magazine and on
ConsumerReports.org. Subscribers
to ConsumerReports.org can access the
full content of all road test reports and
test results for any tested model.
Fuel economy. Part of the testing
process is our real-world fuel economy
evaluations. Unlike the tests done by
the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), which tests cars on a dynamom-
eter, we drive the cars on real roads.
You’ll find our results broken down
into City, which represents urban, stop-
and-go driving; Highway, which is a mix
of rural and interstate highway driving
in a warmed-up vehicle; and Overall, a
combination of the two factors, weighted
more heavily towards the City results.
You’ll find more about Euel Economy
in Chapter 2, starting on page 14.
Reliability. A vehicle’s reliability
can seriously affect how satisfied you’ll
be with a car over your years. It also
will have a significant impact on the cars’
resale value.
Consumer Reports’ reliability data is
based on our Annual Auto Survey, where
we ask CR magazine and web subscrib-
ers about any problems they’ve had with
their vehicles over the past 12 months.
The 2014 survey provided data on about
1.1 million vehicles.
Eor new cars, we provide a predicted-
reliability Rating that indicates how
vehicles currently on sale are likely to hold
up. To create these Ratings, CR averages
a models’ Used Car Verdicts for the three
newest model years, providing the car
wasn’t significantly redesigned during that
time. All of these Ratings are included
in the Reliabihty History charts in the
Vehicle Profiles (starting on page 96).
Safety. A number of factors affect
a vehicle’s overall safety capability. Our
charts on page 230 put safety evalua-
tions and crash-test scores in one place,
to make it easy to see how different
vehicles compare.
Crash tests are conducted by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
(IIHS; iihs.org) and the National High-
way Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA; safercar.gov). The IIHS also
conducts rear-crash and roof-crush tests,
while the NHTSA evaluates and rates
vehicles on their rollover resistance.
Besides crash-test scores, the safety
charts also include CR’s accident-
avoidance Ratings. Those scores are
derived from our track tests and pri-
marily rely on emergency-handling and
braking evaluations.
Time to research
This book offers a range of tools to help
you choose wisely, including reviews,
comparison Ratings, and exclusive reli-
ability information.
But we’re not the only game in town.
You’ll also find a ton of helpful and de-
tailed car information online and in
printed sources like magazines and news-
papers. The difficulty is that not all of
it is entirely reliable.
If you already have some candidate
cars in mind you might want to read
what other car reviewers are saying
about them. You may also want to find
model specs and pricing information
outside the scope of this book. Know
that our own web site, ConsumerReports.
org, continuously updates its reviews
and other car information as well. Here
is a brief recap of other information
sources you’ll find.
Manufacturer web sites. Automaker
sites are a good place to explore indi-
vidual models, their accessory packages,
retail price information, and pictures
from every angle. Bear in mind, though.
that these sites are essentially advertising
vehicles and every car will be described
in nothing but glowing terms.
Online pricing. Of the many online
sources for brief car reviews and pricing
information, two of the most-used
are Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book
(kbb.com). Another is TrueCar.com. All
give both retail and “invoice” prices for
cars and their options, as well as an idea
of what other customers have paid lately.
Online car info. For general informa-
tion about cars and car-related content
including reviews and tips, you might
want to check out MSNAutos (msn.com)
and YahooAutos (yahoo.com).
Enthusiast magazines. So-called
“buff books” and their online equivalents
crank out a steady stream of reviews on
the newest cars. While they offer plenty
of good, detailed information it some-
times seems they never met a new car
they didn’t like. Be aware also that auto
advertisers cast a long shadow over
those publications.
Newspapers. Many newspapers
print auto reviews geared toward the
everyday driver rather than the enthusi-
ast. Few if any, however, are based on
head-to-head testing or instrumented
tests like those we perform. Meanwhile,
the dwindling special newspaper auto
sections often exist solely to draw
advertising from automakers and local
dealerships. Don’t expect hard-hitting
criticism or comparisons.
Personal experiences. Hearing about
the experiences of actual owners can
give you insight into what it’s like to live
with a model. Plenty of online owner
forums (Google the car’s make/model/
year) let owners voice their opinions
and read those of others. Keep in mind,
though, that individual owners usually
haven’t experienced a wide range of
vehicles for comparison, and the mem-
berships are made up of fans of the brand.
Another downside is that some of the
“opinionators” are the sort of Internet
blowhards and trolls you’ll find on any
other crowd-sourced site.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMERREPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 13
14 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Everybody with a car — from owners of luxury sedans to
those with econoboxes — enjoys getting better fuel economy,
and why not? It keeps more money in your wallet, might
make you feel better about yourself, and may even help save
the planet. But at the same time, most people want good
mileage with few sacrifices.
Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to find
vehicles that get good gas mileage
and still provide the power and space
Americans demand. Some of them
are hybrids, clean diesels, and truly
viable electric cars. But exotic technolo-
gies aren’t the only — or even the most
important — news in fuel savings.
Conventional gasoline-powered cars
are still highly efficient and are scraping
more miles out of every gallon of gas
thanks to advances in engine technology,
better aerodynamics, and cleverer
computer controls.
This chapter will focus on the most
fuel-efficient vehicles we’ve tested, from
gas and diesel models to hybrids and
full electrics.
We also highlight driving tips for
saving fuel, and detail how much money
you can save by switching to a more
fuel-efficient vehicle without giving up
anything important.
Compare mpg
If we bought vehicles based on fuel
economy, the roads would be filled with
economy cars. But it doesn’t work that
way. After you choose the vehicle types
that meet your needs, you narrow down
the choices even further. Comparing
fuel economy is the quickest way to thin
the list.
You’ll find that within most vehicle
classes, the majority of models have
overall fuel economy pretty close to each
other — sometimes just one or two miles
per gallon. In those cases the economic
consequences are pretty slim. But within
each class there are always outliers.
A fuel economy difference of three-to-five
mpg can really add up in savings.
The typical person drives about 12,000
miles each year and pays an average of
$3.20 for a gallon of regular gasoline. If
the vehicles you are considering are sepa-
rated by just 4 mpg, the results can be
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 15
CORN PHOTO:SHUTTERSTOCK/AFRICA STUDIO
SAVE AT THE PUMP
WHEN GAS PRICES SPIKE,
PEOPLE CLAMOR FOR HYBRIDS
AND DIESEL VEHICLES. BUT
WHEN PRICES LEVEL OFF,
INTEREST WANES.
significant. For example, the Honda
Odyssey minivan, which gets 21 mpg
overall in our tests, would save more than
$430 per year in fuel costs alone compared
with a 17-mpg Chrysler Town & Country.
The same applies to mid-sized
sedans. Choosing the 32-mpg Mazda6
Sport over a 24-mpg Ford Fusion SE
would save about $400 per year. Stepping
down one vehicle size could save a lot
more. For example, driving a 26 -mpg
Subaru Forester rather than the 18 -mpg
Nissan Pathfinder would shave your
fuel costs by more than $650 a year.
In the end, that savings could cover
a monthly loan payment or two, or a sig-
nificant portion of your annual insur-
ance costs.
To see the real-world fuel economy
of any current vehicle that Consumer
Reports has tested, refer to the Road-Test
Highlights tables that begin on page 224.
That’s an alphabetical list of more than
200 models on sale now. To find out
what you’d actually save each year by
choosing one over another, turn to the
cost- calculator chart on age 20.
Do hybrids and diesels
save money?
Every time the price of fuel spikes, buyers
clamor for hybrid or diesel vehicles
because of their promise of superior
fuel economy. But when the price spikes
level off, so does the interest in these fuel-
sipping vehicles. This, in turn, results
in an on-again, off-again cycle where
some manufacturers have postponed or
dropped their plans to introduce hybrid
or diesel vehicles to North America.
Short answer: Yes, they save money.
Our multiple analyses over the past few
years continue to show that hybrids and
diesels, despite their higher initial cost,
almost always pay back your investment
at some point. It just depends on how
long you hold on to your car.
After five years, some do and some
don’t. It depends on how much of a
premium you have to lay out to get the
fuel-saving technology, how much fuel
it saves compared with a comparable
conventional alternative, how fast the
car depreciates, and other factors.
To grossly oversimplify, the best
Japanese hybrids and the best European
diesels have the quickest payback, and
the payback after five years can be
substantial. The table on page 17 spells
out the best and worst for some of the
biggest brands.
Why it takes so long. Our country’s
halting steps toward wide adoption
of technically advanced fuel-savers is
a shame, because market experience is
the only way that new technologies can
prove themselves. When Toyota launched
the Prius about 15 years ago, rivals from
Detroit and Europe openly scoffed and
privately whispered to auto journalists
about how much money Toyota was losing
on every Prius it sold.
“How can you make money selling
a car with two powertrains?” a promi-
nent BMW executive huffed when Toyota
announced it would extend hybrid
technology to more and more cars. Past
forward a decade: Toyota and its Lexus
brand are the world leaders in hybrid-
drive technology; nearly every big-selling
Toyota product has a hybrid version;
and both Detroit and the Europeans are
playing catch up.
Por wholly different reasons, diesel
passenger cars have also faced an uphill
struggle in the U.S. In Western Europe,
where gasoline costs $10 to $12 a gallon,
nearly half of all new cars have a diesel
engine. Why? It’s partly because diesels
use, in theory, about a third less fuel than
equivalent gasoline engines, and partly
because of fuel taxes. Until fairly recently,
however, those European diesels were too
dirty to meet U.S. emissions standards.
But a big breakthrough for diesel
acceptance in this country came some
16 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Toyota Camry Hybrid
years ago when the government,
with automakers’ backing, required
petroleum refiners to provide ultra-
low-sulfur diesel fuel. That “clean”
fuel enabled emissions-reducing tail-
pipe catalysts and filters that higher-
sulfur diesel fuel would run. The result
is that all new diesel cars currently
available meet stringent emissions
standards nationwide.
Diesel engine technology has also
evolved. Gone are the days of a loud,
clattering powerhouse with lousy pickup
and an evil, oily smell. Electronic con-
trols, turbocharging, and other tweaks
have made modern diesels positively
peppy and unobtrusive.
Payback period. Making any pay-
back estimate for diesels and hybrids
can be challenging. It can be tough
to identify vehicles to compare them
with. For example, hybrids such as the
Toyota Prius and the Chevrolet Volt
plug-in don’t have direct gas-only
equivalents.
Moreover, the hybrid version of
some mainstream vehicles — the Toyota
Highlander, for example — is often only
available as a high-trim model that’s
laden with extra-cost features. This
makes it hard to compare costs with the
more hare-bones conventional versions.
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
How hybrids & diesels compare
Make & model
Purchase '
price
MPG
Total 5-year
owner cost
Total 5-yr.
cost savings
(or loss)
Years to pay Fuel cost
back for 5-yr.
payback
SMALL CARS
Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel
$27,300
33
$38,250
($1,750)
More than 8 $7.72
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
$21,775
27
$36,500
Chevrolet Volt
$32,495
613]
$36,500
$0
6 $3.33
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
$21,775
27
$36,500
Ford C-Max Energi
$34,940
473]
^7,000
($5,250)
More than 8 $18.24
FordC-MaxSE
$26,685
37
$31,750
Honda Civic Hybrid
$24,820
40
$29,000
$1,000
1 $1.67
Honda Civic EX
$21,880
30
$30,000
Toyota Prius Plug-in Advanced
$35,890
473]
$33,750
($7,750)
More than 8 $91.66
Toyota Prius Two
$23,810
44
$26,000
Toyota Prius C
$20,850
43
$24,250
$3,250
1 Any price
Toyota Yaris tE
$17,290
32
SS27,500
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Hybrid
$28,055
37
$31,500
$750
1 $1.11
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan SE (1.8T)
$22,610
30
$32,250
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan TDI
$25,100
34
$29,250
$3,000
1 Any price
Volkswagen Jetta Sedan SE (1.8T)
$22,610
30
1 $32,250
MIDSIZED SEDANS
Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
$28,290
39
1 $33,500
$5,000 1
1 Any price
Ford Fusion SEd.ST)
$27,720
24
$38,500
Honda Accord Hybrid
$29,945
40
$32,000
($500)
More than 8 $4.05
Honda Accord LX(4-cyl.)
$23,270
30
SS31,500
Toyota Camry Hybrid XtE
$29,052
38
$32,000
$500
1 $2.33
Toyota Camry tE (4-cyl.)
$23,830
27
$32,500
Volkswagen Passat TDI SE
$28,665
37
$31,250
$5,250
1 Any price
Volkswagen Passat SE (1.8T)
$27,485
28
$36,500
LARGE SEDANS
Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited
$42,501
36
$41,750
$6,250
1 Any Price
Toyota Avalon Limited (V6)
$40,670
24
$48,000
UPSCALE SEDANS
Lexus ES300h
$44,017
36
$42,500
$6,750
1 Any Price
Lexus ES 350
$43,702
25
$49,250
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
$41,915
34
$44,250
$5,750
1 Any Price
Lincoln MKZ 2.0 EcoBoost
$41,365
23
$50,000
UPSCALE SEDANS
Infiniti Q70 Hybrid
$58,655
25
$63,500
($1,750)
More than 8 $7.43
Infiniti Q70
$53,825
21
$61,750
SMALL SUVS
Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
$27,132
28
$35,250
($1,750)
More than 8 $14.51
Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium
$24,215
26
$33,500
MIDSIZED SUVs
Lexus RX450h
$46,400
26
$51,500
($3,250)
More than 8 $9.02
Lexus RX 350
SS40,650
21
$48,250
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited
$50,875
25
$52,250
($6,250)
More than 8 $13.48
Toyota Highlander Limited (V6)
$38,941
20
$46,000
PICKUP TRUCKS
Ram 1500 Big Horn Ecodiesel
$49,155
20
$57,500
($2,000)
More than 8 $5.17
Ram 1500 Big Horn (5.7LV8)
$42,810
15
$55,500
‘Based on $3.20 per gallon for regular, $3.40 for premium, and $3.60 for diesel, ffl Composite of electric and gasoline.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 17
SAVE AT THE PUMP
To address that issue we simply
took a big-selling version of the car
and matched it up with a hybrid that a
customer might cross-shop from the
same manufacturer. The matched pairs
might not have all the same features
but they’ll have the same functionality
and overall performance.
We looked at five-year ownership
cost factors including depreciation,
fuel, insurance, interest on financing,
maintenance and repairs, and sales
tax. Of those, depreciation counts the
most, making up more than half of
owner costs in the first five years.
Bottom line: Many hybrids and
diesels provide a demonstrable benefit
in overall owner cost right now, despite
their initial higher price. If gas prices
rise, the payback will be quicker. A few
vehicles, though, are so costly from the
get-go that they’ll probably never pay
their own way. Still, if saving money
right out of the gate is important, there
are many conventional cars that provide
very good fuel economy and cost less
than hybrids and diesels.
Plug-ins and electrics
While hybrids and diesels are proven
ways of traveling farther on a gallon
of fuel, researchers around the world,
including many automakers, have been
working on a variety of technologies,
including electric cars, plug-in
hybrids, renewable fuels like ethanol
and biodiesel, and even hydrogen-
powered vehicles.
Although consumers are mostly
focused on saving money at the pump,
ultimately the interest in saving fuel
is part of a larger issue that concerns
a finite resource and one whose use
contributes to global warming.
All of these alternative technologies
have advantages, but so far, none have
been able to match the balance of price,
convenience, performance, and driving
range that we’ve come to expect from
conventional petroleum-fueled vehicles.
Brian Wynne, president of the
Electric Drive Transportation Associa-
tion, put it this way: “We [in the U.S.]
already agreed that we need to reduce
our dependence on fossil fuels and
specifically upon petroleum. At the end
of the day, to solve this problem on an
accelerated basis we have to embrace
many solutions.”
Electric vehicles keep hitting the
market, although still in relatively small
numbers. But now they are available in
a wider range of body styles and price
ranges.
The Tesla Model S sits at the top of
the EV class, not only in size and price
Cheap trips
The table below compares just the fuel
costs-gasoline, electricity, or both-for six
electric vehicles with that of seven hybrid,
gasoline-powered, or diesel powered
alternatives.
For the 30- and 75-nnile trips the Leaf
costs the least, but on a 200-nnile jaunt the
Tesla is the vehicle to beat. The Focus and
Leaf have to be left at home unless you can
charge them mid-trip, and the i-MiEV needs
a mid-trip charging just to get to the
75-mile mark.
Underlying assumptions: Trips are
mixed city and highway driving. Volt
calculation assumes a 35-mile electric
range followed by premium fuel use at
32 mpg overall. The Civic, Fusion, Mazda,
and Toyota Prius and Corolla use regular.
Electricity: 11C per kWh. Gasoline: $3.20/
gal. regular; $3. 40/gal. premium; and
$3. 60/gal diesel. No stops for recharging.
Overall MPG is from CR tests.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV Nissan Leaf Chevrolet Volt
COMPARING ENERGY COSTS
Vehicle/CR overall MPG
Overall MPG
Cost per mile
(cents)
Cost for
30-mile trip
Cost for
75-mile trip
Cost for
200-mile trip
Mitsubishi i-MiEV SE (3.28 mi/kWh)
mm
3.4^
$1.01
Needs mid-trip
charging
Needs mid-trip
chargings
Ford Focus Electric (3.18 mi/kWh)
107 m
3.5^
$1.04
$2.59
Needs mid-trip
chargings
Nissan Leaf (3.16 mi/kWh)
106 m
3.5K
$1.04
$2.61
Needs mid-trip
chargings
Chevrolet Volt (2.93 mi/kWh for
35 mi., then 32 mpg)
99m/32S]
3.8^
$1.13
$5.56
$18.85
Tesla Model S (2.48 mi/kWh)
84 m
4.4^
$1.33
$3.33
$8.87
Toyota Prius Plug-in (67 mpg for
12 mi., then 43 mpg)
67 m /43 m
4.8((
$1.91
$5.26
$14.56
Toyota Prius
44
IM
$2.18
$5.45
$14.55
Honda Civic Hybrid
40
8.0((
$2.40
$6.00
$16.00
Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
39
8.2il
$2.46
$6.15
$16.41
Volkswagen Passat TDI SE
37
m
$2.92
$7.30
$19.46
Mazda6 Sport
32
wm
$3.00
$7.50
$20.00
Toyota Corolla LE Plus
32
lom
$3.00
$7.50
$20.00
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
34
lOM
$3.18
$7.94
$21.18
m Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). 0 Miles-per-gallon running on gas engine.
18 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
This year’s fuel-economy
champs
These lists show the vehicles within each
category that achieved the best fuel mileage
in our real-world tests. We have selected mpg
cutoffs that are relative to each category. For
example, a vehicle that gets 23 mpg would not
be a standout among midsize cars sedans but
it is excellent for small and midsize SUVs.
Models with a are recommended vehicles.
Rec.
Make & model
Overall
mpg
City mpg
FUEL-EFFICIENT HATCHBACKS
Mitsubishi i-MiEV m
1110
104 0 ,
116 0
Ford Focus Electric m
107 2]
108 0
107 0
Nissan Leaf SL m
1062]
86 0 1
1 118 0
y/
Chevrolet Volt
610
45 0 I
1 76 0
Ford C-Max Energi
47 0
45 0 1
1 49 0
yf
Toyota Prius Plug-in Advanced
47 0
38 0 !
! 55 0
y/
Toyota Prius Four
44
32
55
Toyota Prius C Two
43
37
48
SUBCOMPACT CARS
Smart ForTwo Passion
39
30
44
Mitsubishi Mirage ES
37
28
47
Honda CR-Z EX (MT)
35
26
45
Ford Fiesta SE(3-cyl., MT)
35
25
46
Scion iQ
34
27
40 ‘ ' i
Honda Fit EX
33
24
42 ■
Ford Fiesta SE (sedan)
33
22
45
Toyota YarisLE
32
23
41 ‘
Nissan Versa SV (sedan)
32
23
40 j 1
COMPACT HATCHBACKS & WAGONS
Toyota Prius V Three
41
33
47
Ford C-Max Hybrid SE
37
35
38
y/ Mazda3i Grand Touring (2.0L,MT)
32
24
41
Mini Cooper Base (1.5L)
31
22
41
Nissan Cube 1.8 S
28
21
33
Ford Focus
28
19
39
COMPACT SEDANS
I
Honda Civic Hybrid
40
28
50
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
37
29
45
y/
Volkswagen Jetta TDl
34
25
45
Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel
33
22
49
yf
Toyota Corolla LE Plus
32
23
43
Ford Focus SE SFE
31
21
43
yf
Honda Civic EX
30
21
40
Volkswagen Jetta SE (1.8T)
30
21
39
Nissan Sentra SV
29
21
38
yf
Hyundai ElantraGLS
29
20
39
SPORTY CARS (tested with manual transmission)
Mini Cooper S
Scion FR-S
Subaru BRZ Premium
Ford Fiesta ST
Honda Civic Si
Voikswagen GTI Autobahn
Fiat 500 Abarth
Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
BMWZ4sDrive28i
SMALL SUVs
V Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
V Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium
Mini Countryman S
y/ Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium
V Mazda CX-5(2.5L)
Toyota RAV4 XLE
Nissan Juke SV
y/ Nissan Rogue SV
Mitsubishi Outiander Sport SE
Mitsubishi OutianderSE
Buick Encore Leather
y/ Honda CR-V EX
y/ BMWXlxDrive28i
y/ BMWX3xDrive28i
MIDSIZED SUVs
MIDSIZE CARS
yf
Honda Accord Hybrid
40
32
47
yf
Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
39
35
41
yf
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
38
32
43
yf
Volkswagen Passat TDl SE
37
26
51
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
33
24
40
yf
MazdaG Sport
32
22
44
Nissan Altima 2.5 S
31
21
44
yf
HondaAccord LX (4-cyl.)
30
21
40
Chrysler 200 Limited (4-cyL)
30
19
44
yf
Volkswagen Passat SE (1.8T)
28
19
39
Hyundai Sonata SE (2.4)
28
18
40
yf
Toyota Camry LE(4 cyl.)
UPSCALE/SPORTS/LUXURY CARS
27
19
41
yf
Tesla Model S (base, 85kwh)
84 0]
65 0]
102 0]
yf
Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited
36
29
43
y/ Lexus RX450h
y/ Volkswagen TouaregTD I
y/ Lexus RX 350
y/ BMWX5xDrive35i
y/ AcuraMDXTech
Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec
MINIVANS
Lexus ES300h
BMW328dxDrive
44
49
m Limited range electric car la MPGe (mpg equivalent) isi Composite of electric and gas
Ford Transit Connect XLT (2.5L)
y/ Honda Odyssey EX L
y/ Toyota Sienna XLE (FWD)
y/ Toyota Sienna XLE (AWD)
y/ Nissan Quest SL
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 25 18
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (diesel) 24 17
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (4 cyl.) 23 17
Chevrolet Equinox ILT (4-cyl.) 21 14
Ford Edge SEL (FWD, Ecoboost) 21 14
Hyundai Santa FeOLS(V6) 20 14
Toyota Highlander XLE (V6) 20 14
KiaSorentoEX(V6) 20 13
LUXURY SUVs
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 19
SAVE AT THE PUMP
but also in performance and range —
the miles it can cover per charge.
Small EVs include the Ford Focus
EV, Nissan Feaf, and Mitsubishi i-MiEV,
while the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota
Prius Plug-in hybrids are larger, approach-
ing midsize sedans in size.
Then there are small-niche vehicles.
Consumers in California can lease all-
electric versions of the Chevrolet Spark,
Honda Fit, Fiat 500, Kia Soul, Smart
ForTwo, and Toyota RAV4. In addition,
Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota have
experimental fuel-cell vehicles.
EVs allow drivers to commute mod-
erate distances very affordably, using
no gasoline and producing no tailpipe
emissions. Electric vehicles can be
charged via a household wall outlet,
although a dedicated charger is a faster,
more efficient charging solution.
However, electric vehicles have some
built-in limitations. These may go away
as battery technology and electric-car
infrastructure develops, but they’re very
real today:
• EVs cost more to buy than equiva-
lent conventional cars.
• Range is limited, often less than
100 miles per charge, and tends to
decrease in cold weather.
• An EV’s large drive battery costs
many thousands of dollars and it’s
unclear how many years they will last.
• The large batteries in a dedicated
EV can take between 4.5 and 9 hours to
recharge using a 240 -volt circuit, and
at least 16 hours with a 120-volt circuit.
Using household 120 -volt current to fully
charge an 85KW Tesla Model S could
take two days.
• Even EVs with smaller batteries take
many hours to fully charge.
• Installing a heavy-duty 240-volt
charger at a residence can cost as much
as a couple of thousand dollars.
• Public charging stations are still
limited in number and location.
Extended-range vehicle is a term
coined by General Motors to classify the
Volt, a pioneering electric car. When the
main drive battery is depleted, the gasoline
engine acts as a generator to make elec-
tricity. In all-electric mode the Volt can go
about 35 miles. When the gas engine kicks
in the range is extended to about 300 miles.
GM says the Volt’s all-electric range
should be sufficient for more than 75 per-
cent of American commuters to drive
gasoline-free to work and back.
An interesting newcomer is the
BMW i3, which is available both as an
all-electric and as an extended-range
plug-in similar to the Ghevrolet Volt.
Plug-in hybrids, currently available
from Ford, Honda, and Toyota, are able
to drive solely on battery power for
between 12 and 23 miles before reverting
to their standard hybrid operation. With
See how much money you could save
This chart can help you determine your
annual fuel savings by choosing a more-
efficient vehicle. To compare two vehicles
CR has tested, first look up their overall
mpg in the Road Test charts beginning on
page 224. Locate an overall mpg figure on
mpg
12
14
16
18
20
12
$0
$457
$800
$ 1,067
$ 1,280
14
$457
$0
$343
$610
$823
16
$800
$343
$0
$267
$480
18
$ 1,067
$610
$267
$0
$213
20
$ 1,280
$823
$480
$213
$0
22
$ 1,455
$997
$655
$388
$175
24
$ 1,600
$ 1,143
$800
$533
$320
26
$ 1,723
$ 1,266
$923
$656
$443
28
$ 1,829
$ 1,371
$ 1,029
$762
$549
30
$ 1,920
$ 1,463
$ 1,120
$853
$640
32
$ 2,000
$ 1,543
$ 1,200
$933
$720
34
$ 2,071
$ 1,613
$ 1,271
$ 1,004
$791
36
$ 2,133
$ 1,676
$ 1,333
$ 1,067
$853
38
$ 2,189
$ 1,732
$ 1,389
$ 1,123
$909
40
$ 2,240
$ 1,783
$ 1,440
$ 1,173
$960
42
$ 2,286
$ 1,829
$ 1,486
$ 1,219
$ 1,006
44
$ 2,327
$ 1,870
$ 1,527
$ 1,261
$ 1,047
one axis of this chart and the mpg for the
second vehicle on the other axis. The box
where the two intersect shows ho much
money you'd save per year if you had the
higher-mileage vehicle. Underlying
assumptions are 12,000 miles per year;
22
24
26
28
30
32
$ 1,455
$ 1,600
$ 1,723
$ 1,829
$ 1,920
$ 2,000
$997
$ 1,143
$ 1,266
$ 1,371
$ 1,463
$ 1,543
$655
$800
$923
$ 1,029
$ 1,120
$ 1,200
$388
$533
$656
$762
$853
$933
$175
$320
$443
$549
$640
$720
$0
$145
$269
$374
$465
$545
$145
$0
$123
$229
$320
$400
$269
$123
$0
$105
$197
$277
$374
$229
$105
$0
$91
$171
$465
$320
$197
$91
$0
$80
$545
$400
$277
$171
$80
$0
$616
$471
$348
$242
$151
$71
$679
$533
$410
$305
$213
$133
$735
$589
$466
$361
$269
$189
$785
$640
$517
$411
$320
$240
$831
$686
$563
$457
$366
$286
$873
$727
$604
$499
$407
$327
regular gasoline at $3.20 per gallon. As fuel
prices fluctuate, so too do savings. Higher
fuel prices and or more miles traveled yield
bigger savings. Replacing a vehicle running
on premium fuel with one that uses regular
would save even more.
34
36
38
40
42
44
$ 2,071
$ 2,133
$ 2,189
$ 2,240
$ 2,286
$ 2,327
$ 1,613
$ 1,676
$ 1,732
$ 1,783
$ 1,829
$ 1,870
$ 1,271
$ 1,333
$ 1,389
$ 1,440
$ 1,486
$ 1,527
$ 1,004
$ 1,067
$ 1,123
$ 1,173
$ 1,219
$ 1,261
$791
$853
$909
$960
$ 1,006
$ 1,047
$616
$679
$735
$785
$831
$873
$471
$533
$589
$640
$686
$727
$348
$410
$466
$517
$563
$604
$242
$305
$361
$411
$457
$499
$151
$213
$269
$320
$366
$407
$71
$133
$189
$240
$286
$327
$0
$63
$119
$169
$215
$257
$63
$0
$56
$107
$152
$194
$119
$56
$0
$51
$96
$138
$169
$107
$51
$0
$46
$87
$215
$152
$96
$46
$0
$42
$257
$194
$138
$87
$42
$0
ConsumerReports.org/cars
20 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
Get the most mileage for your fuel dollars
How you drive your vehicle
can significantly affect your fuel
economy. That's the key finding
of real-world fuel-economy tests
we performed.
We conducted a series of
tests on two vehicles: a four-
cylinder 2013 Honda Accord
sedan with an automatic trans-
mission, and a 2014 Toyota
RAV4 small SUV. We tested the
effects of driving aggressively;
carrying a car-top storage
box; driving at faster and slower
speeds on the highway; and
driving with a cold engine,
underinflated tires, a dirty air
cleaner, and with the air condi-
tioning running.
FUEL ECONOMY
DIFFERENCE MAKERS
Drive at a moderate speed.
You may have to be a little
patient, but driving at 55 mph
instead of 65 or 75 will save
you money. When we drove the
Accord at a steady 65 mph,
the car's fuel economy dropped
from 49 mpg to 42 mpg com-
pared to 55 mph. Speeding up
to 75 mph cost the car another
5 mpg. One reason is that aero-
dynamic drag increases expo-
nentially the faster you drive; it
simply takes more fuel to power
the car through the air.
In the same test with the
RAV4, mileage dropped from
37 mpg to 33 mpg, then to
27 mpg at 75 mph.
Drive smoothiy. Avoid hard
acceleration and braking
whenever possible. In our tests,
freguent bursts of acceleration
and braking reduced mileage
by 2 to 3 mpg. Once up to speed
on the highway, maintain a
steady pace in top gear. Smooth
acceleration, cornering, and
braking also extend the life of
the engine, transmission, brakes,
and tires.
Reduce unnecessary drag.
At highway speeds, more than
50 percent of engine power goes
to overcoming aerodynamic
drag. So don't carry things on
top of your vehicle when you
don't have to. When we installed
bikes on a rooftop carrier atop
the Accord driving 65 mph, fuel
economy dropped a whopping
35 percent, from 42 mpg to
27 mpg. Even the empty rack
created enough drag to suck gas
mileage down 5 mpg. Adding
a wind deflector guieted things
down but hurt mileage: It dropped
2 more mpg to 35.
Skip premium fuei. If your
car specifies regular fuel, don't
buy premium under the mistaken
belief that your engine will run
better. The only difference you'll
see is about 20 cents more per
gallon. Most cars are designed
to run just fine on regular gaso-
line. Even many cars for which
premium is recommended will
run well on regular. We have
found the differences are imper-
ceptible during normal driving.
Check your owner's manual to
find out if your engine really
reguires premium or if you can
run on other grades.
Avoid cold engine driving.
Engines run most efficiently
when they're warm. And the
most effective way to warm them
up is to drive! The effects vary.
But as an example, driving our
city mpg test several times with
a cold engine consumed an extra
4 mpg versus driving it as the
engine warmed up. Engines also
produce more pollution and wear
faster when they're cold. When
possible, combine several short
trips into one so that the engine
stays warm.
FUEL ECONOMY
MYTH BUSTERS
Keep pressures up. It took
a 10 psi drop in tire pressure for
the Accord to lose 1.3 mpg on
the highway. But what's more
important is that under-inflated
tires compromise handling and
braking. Plus, they wear faster
and run much hotter, which can
lead to tire failure. For safety's
sake, check tire pressure at
least once a month. The owner's
manual explains how to do it.
Consider rolling resistance.
A tire's rolling resistance can add
or detract another 1 or 2 mpg. But
worn tires generally get better
mileage than new ones with more
tread. So even if you buy new
low-rolling resistance tires,
you're unlikely to see any gain
until you wear them down.
Some high mpg tires also had
good grip and did well in our
tests, and they usually don't cost
more, so there's no reason to
shy away from models that did
well in our Ratings.
Look for high-rated tires with
low rolling resistance. They could
save you more than $100 a year
in fuel.
Replace your air filter. Our
tests show that driving with a
dirty air filter doesn't have any
impact on fuel economy. That's
because modern engines use
computers to precisely control
the air/fuel ratio, so limiting
airflow causes the engine to
automatically reduce the amount
of fuel being used. Fuel economy
didn't change, but the car
accelerated much more slowly
with a dirty filter.
Morning fill-ups. A common
myth is to buy gasoline in the
morning, when the air is cool,
rather than in the heat of the day.
The theory is that the cooler
gasoline will be denser, so you
will get more for your money.
But the temperature of the fuel
coming out of the nozzle changes
little, if at all, during any 24-
hour stretch.
Tailgates and tonneau
covers. We tested a 2013 Ram
V8 on the highway at 65 mph
with the tailgate up, tailgate
down, and with a factory soft
tonneau cover. We found that
adding a tonneau cover or
lowering the tailgate actually
hurt fuel economy a bit. With
the tailgate up and no tonneau,
we got 22.3 mpg. Dropping
the tailgate decreased efficiency
to 21.5 mpg, and covering the
bed with a soft tonneau cover
dropped fuel economy down
to 21.4.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 21
SAVE AT THE PUMP
Tesla Model S
some, like the Prius Plug-in, the gas
engine kicks in to help out the moment
you tromp on the accelerator or get up to
highway speeds. Others, such as the Ford
C-Max, stay in all-electric mode until
the battery runs down to a specified level.
The relatively short electric-driving
range of today’s plug-in hybrids may be
a bit disappointing, especially consider-
ing the price premium it takes to buy one.
But the energy cost for electric driving is
very low — say three or four cents a mile.
Gasoline operation may cost something
like 12 cents a mile. If you drive, say,
15 miles on battery power and another 15
on gas, the cost of those 30 miles is cut by
more than a third compared with all-gas.
Why don’t plug-in hybrids have a
longer range? Largely because a longer
range means a larger battery, which is
both costly and bulky. Even as it is,
finding room for the drive battery hogs
a lot of trunk space in some current cars.
BEFORE BUYING AN EV
Your answers to these questions can help
you determine if an EV is right for you:
How far do you drive? If you will be
using the car for running local errands
or you have a short commute, say 20 to
30 miles each way, the Leaf would likely
fit your needs. With an extended-range
EV like the Volt or BMW i3, distance is
not such a limiting factor. Of course,
if you can plug in while you’re away from
home, you’ll extend your electric-driving
range — and fuel-cost savings. Longer
trips aren’t an EV’s strength.
Keep in mind that a car’s electric
range can vary significantly, depending
on weather and driving style. Our
Tesla Model S normally gives us around
225 miles per charge. But in cold weather
that drops to 185. We’ve also found that
using the heater in cold weather is a big
drain on the battery range.
Will an EV save you money? This
is the big question for everyone. Since
EVs don’t have an engine or conven-
tional transmission, they generally have
lower maintenance costs, which should
save money over time. Depending on
your local electricity rates and what you
currently drive, running an EV should
always be less expensive than filling up
with gas.
Electricity costs an average of 11 cents
per kilowatt-hour in the U.S. Most of
today’s EVs run for about 3 miles per kWh,
which works out to about 4 cents a mile.
With regular gas costing about $3.20
a gallon, a car such as the Toyota Corolla,
which gets very good fuel economy of
32 mpg, would cost 10 cents a mile for fuel.
But electrical rates vary widely, so check
your local rates.
Then there’s the question of purchase
price. The small Nissan Leaf starts at
$29,860,while the Volt retails for $35,170.
Prices for a Toyota Prius hybrid, the most
fuel-efficient non-electric car in our
Ratings, range from about $26,000 to
$31,000.
The federal government is offering
a tax credit of up to $7,500 to the first
200,000 EV buyers from each automaker.
Regional incentives are also available.
Alternatively, one can lease a Leaf
or Volt for $250 or less per month (as of
October 2014), which is similar to many
conventional cars.
22 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Fuel economy vs. performance
You don't always have to give up engine performance in return for
good fuel economy. To prove this, CR compiled this list of vehicles that
provide the best combination of fuel economy and acceleration in our
Make & model
Overall MPG
Accel. 0-60 mph
(sec.)
FUEL-EFFICIENT HATCHBACKS
Overall mpg = 38 or higher; 0-60 mph =12.0 or less
Ford Focus Electric
107 3]
10.2
Nissan Leaf SL
106 3]
10.3
Chevrolet Volt
61®
9.4
Ford C-Max Energi
47®
8.1
Toyota Prius Plug-in Advanced
47®
10.6
Toyota Prius Four
44
10.6
Toyota Prius C Two
43
11.3
Lexus CT 200h Premium
40
11.0
SUBCOMPACT CARS
Overall mpg = 31 or higher; 0-60 mph = 11.0 or less
Ford Fiesta SE(3-cyl., MT)
35
9.0
Scion iQ
34
10.6
Honda Fit EX
33
10.0
MazdaZ Sport (MT)
33
10.3
Ford Fiesta SE sedan
33
10.9
Hyundai Accent SE hatchback (MT)
32
8.5
Nissan Versa SV sedan
32
10.6
Ford Fiesta SES hatchback (MT)
32
10.7
Toyota Yaris LE
32
10.8
Hyundai Accent GLS sedan
31
10.3
Nissan Versa Note SV
31
10.9
COMPACT CARS
Overall mpg = 29 or higher; 0-60 mph = 11.0 or less
Honda Civic Hybrid
40
10.9
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE
37
8.1
Volkswagen Jetta TDl
34
9.5
Mazda3 i Touring sedan
33
8.3
Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel
33
9.7
Toyota Corolla LE Plus
32
9.9
Ford Focus SESFE
31
8.5
Volkswagen Jetta SE (1.8T)
30
8.5
Honda Civic EX
30
9.6
Hyundai Elantra SE (1.8L)
29
9.5
Nissan SentraSV
29
9.7
MIDSIZED CARS
Overall mpg = 28 or higher; 0-60 mph = 10.0 or less
Honda Accord Hybrid
40
7.7
Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
39
8.3
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
38
7.6
Volkswagen Passat TDl SE
37
9.8
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
33
9.1
Mazda6 Sport
32
7.5
Nissan Altima 2.5 S (4-cyl.)
31
8.2
Honda Accord LX (4-cyl.)
30
7.7
Chrysler 200 Limited (4-cyl.)
30
9.8
Volkswagen Passat SE (1.8T)
28
8.6
Hyundai Sonata SE (4-cyl.)
28
9.2
UPSCALE/LUXURY CARS
Overall mpg = 26 or higher; 0-60 mph = 8.5 or less
Tesla Model S (base, 85 kWh)
84®
5.6
Lexus ES300h
36
8.2
Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited
36
8.2
BMW328d xDrive
35
8.5
Mercedes-Benz E250 BlueTec (AWD)
30
8.3
BMW 3281
28
6.3
Audi A7 3.0 TDl
28
6.6
AcuraTLX
27
7.4
Audi A3 Premium
27
8.3
Volkswagen CC Sport
26
7.5
m MPGe. 0 Composite of electricity and gas.
tests. Vehicles are ranked within each category based on their overall
miles per gallon (mpg) and O-to-60 mph acceleration times. All vehicles
have an automatic, unless noted with an "MT."
Make & model
Overall MPG
Accel. 0-60 mph
(sec.)
SPORTY CARS/ROADSTERS (tested with manual transmission)
Overall mpg = 28 or higher; 0-60 mph = 7.5 or less
Mini Coopers
30
7.2
Scion FR-S
30
7.2
Subaru BRZ Premium
30
7.2
Honda Civic Si
29
7.1
Ford Fiesta ST
29
7.3
BMWZ4sDrive28i
28
6.1
Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring
28
7.0
WAGONS/HATCHBACKS
Overall mpg = 28 or higher; 0-60 mph = 11.0 or less
Toyota Prius V Three
41
10.7
Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE
37
8.4
Mazda3 i Grand Touring hatchback (MT)
32
8.2
Mini Cooper (base, 3-cyl.)
31
8.3
Nissan Cube 1.8 S
28
10.0
Ford Focus SE
28
9.3
MINIVANS
Overall mpg = 19 or higher; 0-60 mph = 9.0 or less
Honda Odyssey EX-L
21
8.4
Toyota Sienna XLE (FWD)
20
8.8
Nissan Quest SL
19
8.4
Toyota Sienna XLE (AWD)
19
8.5
SMALL SUVs
Overall mpg = 23 or higher; 0-60 mph = 10.0 or less
Mini Cooper Countryman S
26
8.3
Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium
26
8.7
Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium
26
9.7
Mazda CX-5 Touring (2.5L)
25
8.0
Nissan Juke SV
24
7.9
Toyota RAV4 XLE
24
9.0
Nissan Rogue SV
24
9.5
BMWXlxDrive28i
23
6.8
BMWX3xDrive28i
23
7.3
Honda CR-V EX
23
9.2
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE
23
9.6
MIDSIZED SUVs
Overall mpg = 20 or higher; 0-60 mph = 9.0 or less
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited
25
8.3
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (diesel)
24
8.6
Ford Edge SEL (4-cyl. FWD)
21
8.9
Toyota Highlander XLE (V6)
20
7.5
Hyundai Santa Fe GLS
20
7.6
KiaSorento EX(V6)
20
7.6
LARGE & LUXURY SUVs
Overall mpg = 19 or higher; 0-60 mph = 8.5 or less
Lexus RX450h
26
7.7
Volkswagen Touareg TDl
24
8.4
Lexus RX 350
21
7.3
AcuraMDXTech
20
7.2
Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec
20
8.2
Porsche Cayenne (base)
19
7.8
Infiniti QX60
19
8.3
PICKUP TRUCKS
Overall mpg = 16 or higher; 0-60 mph = 9.5 or less
Ram 1500 Big Horn Ecodiesel
20
9.5
Toyota Tacoma (base, V6)
17
7.9
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT
16
7.5
Ford F-250 Lariat (6.7, turbodiesel)
16
8.7
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 23
SAVE AT THE PUMP
An EV s high price reflects its
expensive battery pack. “EVs can do a
reasonable range, but they can’t do it at
a reasonable cost given today’s batteries,”
said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher
of the Green Car Journal. No one knows
how long batteries will last before they’ll
need replacement.
Both the Leaf and Volt carry 8 -year/
100,000-mile warranties on their battery
packs and related hardware — and some
states mandate longer warranties.
How will you charge your car? You
can charge an EV at any household out-
let, but you may be hard-pressed to charge
a dedicated EV overnight on a 120-volt
outlet. A heavy-duty 240 -volt outlet on
a dedicated 30- or 40-amp circuit, similar
to an outlet for an electric clothes dryer,
is much more practical.
Installing a 240 -volt circuit runs
an estimated $700 to $2,000, depending
on the home’s existing wiring and
location of the outlet. You’ll also need
a charger.
The Leaf and Volt come with a kit
for 120-volt, so-called Level I charging.
A faster 240 -volt Level II charger is more
suitable. Level II chargers are currently
retailing for about $1,000, but prices have
been coming down.
Installation of quick, heavy-duty
DC chargers for public venues is ongoing
throughout the U.S. These can charge an
EV to 80 percent capacity within 30 min-
utes. Up-level trims of the Nissan Leaf
and Mitsubishi i-MiEV come with an
extra port that’s compatible with these
chargers. On top of that, Tesla is contin-
uing to broaden its own proprietary
nationwide network of chargers, which
are free to Tesla owners.
What will you pay for charging? Many
utilities offer a wide variety of rate plans,
so it’s important to find out which will
work for you. High electric rates can
erode and EV’s savings at the pump.
Lor example, at our Auto Test Center in
Connecticut, electricity runs at the high
end nationally, 19 cents per kWh. Even at
that rate, electric cars cost only between
one-half and two-thirds as much to drive
per mile as the most efficient gasoline-
powered cars.
Off-peak rates are lower in some areas
because you’re taking advantage of the
excess capacity that power plants have
at night. In Detroit, for example, charg-
ing off-peak in the summer would cost
5.65 cents per kWh, or about 50 cents
for a full charge -less than half of what it
costs during summer peak hours.
Buyers who reside in California,
where EVs and public chargers are more
plentiful, need to be especially careful
when choosing a plan. That state’s Public
Utilities Commission has set caps on
usage for the lowest rates in basic plans.
So unless you choose an appropriate plan,
charging an electric car can quickly
kick you into a higher price bracket.
ELECTRICITY COSTS
AN AVERAGE OF
11 CENTS PER
KILOWATT-HOUR IN
THE UNITED STATES.
Virtually every electric utility is
developing special rates for electric cars
and for off-peak charging. But such rate
plans require the installation of “smart”
meters, which can monitor the time
of day when electricity is used. So it’s best
to call your utility company before you
buy an electric car.
EVS AND THE WORLD VIEW
Electric vehicles are an important part
of the federal government’s overall energy
policy. According to a joint study by
the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC) and the Electric Power Research
Institute (EPRI), if, by 2050, 20 percent
of American cars were plug-ins with an
electric range of 20 miles, carbon-dioxide
emissions (associated with global warm-
ing) could be reduced by at least 163 mil-
lion metric tons. Using 2008 figures from
the Eederal Highway Administration,
that could mean a savings of 550 million
gallons of gasoline a year, or 22.2 billion
gallons by 2050.
Automakers also need to build
electric cars to meet the 35-mpg average
fuel-economy requirements required
for 2015. “There’s no question that EVs
have a role to play” in meeting those
standards, said Charles Territo, of the
Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers
in Washington, D.C.
Although EVs produce no tailpipe
emissions, the many power plants
generating that electricity do produce
emissions and sometimes nasty ones.
According to the NRDC/EPRI study,
air quality would improve in most
of the U.S. because of the electric vehi-
cles’ more efficient overall use of energy,
especially in areas that derive their
electricity primarily from hydro, natural
gas, or nuclear power.
Even where electricity is produced
from coal, plug-in cars would cause fewer
greenhouse gas emissions than similar-
sized gas vehicles, the study notes.
But some areas near coal-fired power
plants could see increased particulate
emissions, purely as a function of the
24 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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SHUTTERSTOCK/TOM WANG
need to generate more electricity to
feed the nascent electric-car fleet.
Alternative fuel vehicles
Ethanol, or ethyl alcohol, is the most
widespread, renewable, not-from-
petroleum gasoline substitute. The
federal government has long promoted
ethanol as a renewable, homegrown
alternative to gasoline. The auto industry
has been enthusiastic, at various points
in the last several years, about flexible-
fuel vehicles (FF Vs), which are designed
to run on any blend of gasoline and
alcohol, up to E85, which is 85-percent
ethanol and 15 percent gasoline.
The economics can be tricky, though.
When CR put a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe
FFV through our fuel economy tests, we
determined that E85 might cost consum-
ers more money than gasoline does.
Among our findings:
> The Tahoe’s fuel economy dropped
27 percent when running on E85 com-
pared with gasoline, with highway mile-
age decreasing from 21 to 15 mpg and city
mileage dropping from 9 to 7 mpg. There
was no significant change in acceleration.
> Due to alcohol’s lower energy content,
the range per tank of fuel declined
significantly on E85.
> E85 is sold primarily in the Midwest,
meaning most drivers in the country
have no access to it.
> A big reason automakers make flexible-
fuel vehicles is that every FFV they build,
even if it never touches a drop of E85,
earns credits toward the automaker’s over-
all fuel-economy compliance. This has
the effect of reducing their effective fuel
economy requirements. For now, those
credits will be phased out in 2020.
Currently, ethanol supplies are con-
strained, which keeps prices relatively
high — about $3.23 a gallon, or the equiv-
alent of about $4.57 per gallon of gas.
But prices vary widely by region. Most
of the gas stations selling E85 are in the
Midwest, relatively near where corn is
grown and the fuel is produced.
The EPA has recently approved the
sale and use of El 5, a lower blend of
ethanol, for all cars built since 2001. But
so far, few stations sell it.
Biodiesel is another fuel made from
crops, and can be used to power diesel
engines. This renewable, nontoxic,
biodegradable fuel burns cleaner than
petroleum diesel. It’s usually blended
with petroleum diesel, in mixes such as
B5 (5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent
petroleum diesel); BIO (10 percent bio-
diesel); and B20. As of July 2014, 100 per-
cent biodiesel, called BlOO, averaged
$4.24 a gallon compared with an average
of $3.91 a gallon for regular diesel, accord-
ing to the Department of Energy.
Biodiesel can power any diesel engine
with no modifications needed. A gallon
of B20 costs little more than a gallon of
petroleum diesel, but uses 20 percent less
petroleum and burns cleaner.
However, some makers of diesels are
leery of the stuff and won’t honor warran-
ties on engines that burn biodiesel in
concentrations higher than B5.
Some diesel-vehicle makers also
require more frequent maintenance
intervals when running on B20. In
Consumer Reports’ own tests, a car
running on biodiesel produced slightly
less pollution than the same car running
on conventional diesel, but returned
slightly fewer mpg.
A few models on the market right
now are approved for B20, including
some domestic 3/4-ton pickup trucks,
the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500
diesels, and the Chevrolet Cruze diesel.
GM’s new compact pickups, the
Chevrolet Colorado and CMC Canyon,
are slated to offer diesel engines, and are
expected to be approved for B20 as well.
A variation on biodiesel is straight
vegetable oil (SVO), which can also burn
in diesel engines. Cars running on SVO,
sometimes called “grease cars,” may
need a separate fuel tank for the veggie
oil and a preheating system to keep it
from congealing. Conversion kits to add
the fuel tank and other hardware to
existing diesels cost about $1,000.
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CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 25
26 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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27
PLAN YOUR TEST-DRIVE DAY
28
PRE-DRIVE INSPECTION
33
GETTING ON THE ROAD
35
AFTER THE TEST-DRIVE
Lots of vehicles look good on paper and in dream-world
TV commercials, but your test drive is the reality check.
This is your best chance to see how a vehicle measures up
to expectations and, just as important, how well it “fits”
you. After all, you’ll probably be paying for and living with
this vehicle for the next several years. You don’t want any
surprises after you’ve bought it.
Often, it s the little things you discover
during this drive that can tip the scales
when deciding among different models.
In an ideal world, you would be able
to take several cars home for a few weeks
and alternate among them for your every-
day driving. This is essentially what
Consumer Reports’ auto experts do (in
addition to a full battery of instrumented
testing at our 327-acre Auto Test Center)
when evaluating groups of basically simi-
lar vehicles.
Unfortunately, this is not a realistic
option for most people, although some
dealers may let you take vehicles home
overnight. That leaves the dealership test
drive as your best chance to get to know
the vehicles inside and out.
Don’t wait until the day you’re ready
to buy to do your test drive; that won’t
give you enough time to thoroughly
evaluate the cars you’re considering.
Plan your test-drive day
Ideally, to accurately compare one car
with another, you should test drive all of
your candidate vehicles on the same day,
preferably on the same or similar roads.
A multi-brand “auto mall” is one way to
do that, even if you don’t end up buying
from there. Your shuttle time between
vehicles is mere minutes, you will be able
to drive each car along an identical test
route, and you can compare all of them
in the same afternoon.
Before your test drive, be sure to
check these items off your “To Do” list:
Grade your current vehicle. Make a list
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CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 27
TEST DRIVES
of the things you like and dislike about
your current car: performance, comfort,
features, fuel-economy, controls, and
any idiosyncrasies. Does the seat give
you a backache on long trips? Is there too
little storage space? Is there a cup holder
that doesn’t hold a drink securely? Do
you want MP3 player controls, Bluetooth,
or a rear-seat entertainment system for
your children?
Put down all your gripes — large
and small — so you don’t overlook those
things in the new car.
Plan your own route. If a salesperson
goes along with you on your test drive,
he or she will likely suggest a quick,
well-used route that’s “friendly” to the
vehicle and doesn’t stress the engine
or suspension too much. But this won’t
give you a complete picture.
If you can, plot out a route of your
own in advance, one that lets you
experience various traffic situations
and different types of roads. Try to
find a stretch of broken or washboard
pavement to include in the loop.
Rough city streets, winding country
roads, and/or high-speed freeways, if
you normally drive on them, should be
also part of your route.
It would be best if you were able to
spend at least a half hour driving each
vehicle, but that’s probably not in the
cards. If you can, though, make it a route
that you are familiar with so you’ll be
able to spend more time focusing on the
car instead of an unfamiliar road.
Schedule your appointments. When
make a list of the THliurc
* '! TOO LITTLE
storage space?
•IS THERE A CUP HOLDER
that DOESN'T HOLD A
drink securely?
•DO YOU WANT MP3 PLAVfd
CONTROLS, BLUETOOTH,
you call the dealerships, confirm that
the vehicle or vehicles you want to drive
are in stock and equipped the way you
want. If you’re contemplating a car with
the base engine, it doesn’t make sense
to test drive a fully loaded demo with
the up-level powertrain. Schedule your
appointments to drive candidate cars
back-to-back.
Be prepared. Before the big day
arrives, assemble the items you should
take with you. These include the
following:
> Your car-insurance verification.
> A smartphone or a notebook to record
your thoughts and observations about
each car.
> Your list of likes and gripes about your
current vehicle.
> The exact vehicle configuration —
including trim level, features, and
options — for the vehicles you want
to drive.
> A copy of the test-drive checklist on
page 35 for each vehicle.
> An iPhone, MP3 player, or even a CD
you’ll use to try the audio system.
> Bring along any child seats to be sure
you can secure it easily in each vehicle.
> If possible, have your partner or spouse
come along to take notes, ask questions,
and, if you’ll share the car, drive it.
Pre-drive inspection
When you arrive at a dealership and
greet the salesperson, make it clear up
front that you are there only to inspect
and test drive the car(s) in which
you’re interested, and that you will not
be making any buying decision right
away. This will help keep things simple
and allow you to better concentrate
on comparing cars.
Throughout the visit, resist any
attempts by the salesperson to lure you
into making a buying decision or talk-
ing about a deal. Despite a sense of
urgency the salesperson may try to create
(“We have a great deal that’s only good
for today” or “I’ve got another customer
coming to look at this exact vehicle
28 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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DO SOME ADVANCED
PLANNING AND PUT
YOUR PLANNED ROUTE
INTO A MAPPING APP
BEFORE YOUR TEST DRIVE.
later today”), simply repeat that you’ll
make your decision only after test-
driving all the cars that you’re consider-
ing. Being polite — but firm — with this
message can help lessen the sales
pressure. And don’t get sidetracked by
an ambitious salesperson who is trying
to move some other model.
At the start, spend some time care-
fully looking over the vehicle, inside
and out. Does it look as good as you
expected? Walk around and check
the seams between body panels and
doors; are they evenly spaced, without
gaps or irregularities? Does the color
look good in different light? Is the paint
smooth, with mirrorlike reflections?
A car’s exterior styling is designed
to grab your attention, evoke emotions,
and project an image. But it’s inside the
vehicle that you’ll spend your time. Your
long-term satisfaction can be greatly
influenced by how the vehicle’s interior
is designed. This includes how com-
fortable and quiet the cabin is and how
convenient the controls are to operate.
When comparing vehicles, think
about how they fit your lifestyle. If a seat
is uncomfortable or if the controls are
awkward to use, you could become
frustrated with the car long before the
loan or lease is over.
DOES THE CAR FIT YOU?
As you open the driver’s door and slide
into the seat, note how easy it is to get
in and out. You shouldn’t have to duck
your head a lot or contort your body.
Some SUVs and pickups can be difficult
to enter because of their high step-in
height, which can be especially incon-
venient for short people and children.
Are the door handles easy to operate?
How heavy are the doors, and can you
open them with one hand if you are
holding some bags? Can kids get in and
out by themselves?
Be sure the vehicle has the same
upholstery you intend to buy. Leather
seats, for instance, can have different
underlying structure and padding than
cloth seats, which affects their overall
comfort. Some people prefer leather
because it’s easier to clean. But remember
this: leather can be clammy in the win-
ter and sticky on bare skin when it’s hot.
Available heated and cooled seats can
remedy this, but not all models offer it.
Seat comfort is very important but
a highly personal judgment. A seat with
multiple adjustments is best for an your
optimum driving posture. A seat that’s
padded like an easy chair can feel great
for a few minutes, but if it loses support
or sags during long trips it can add to
driver fatigue.
You want to be able to easily slide the
seat fore and aft as well as up and down.
Having a height adjustment option can
make a big difference, particularly for
a shorter driver. The seat should fit your
body and support you from the thighs
to the shoulders. It shouldn’t pinch from
the sides or protrude into your back.
Adjustable lumbar is a benefit; it’s even
better if it can be adjusted for height too.
Can you reach the safety belt quickly
and easily? Can you position it across
your shoulder, chest, and hips properly?
You don’t want the edge of the belt to
graze your neck. Does the shoulder belt
allow for free movement under normal
driving situations? Check to see if the
door and center armrests are in natural-
feeling positions.
Make sure the head restraint can be
adjusted to provide adequate protection
in a rear-end collision. The top of the
headrest should be at least even with the
top of your ears.
Adjust the steering wheel to custom-
tailor the driving position. Most steering
wheels adjust for both rake (up/down) and
reach (in/out). Make sure it has enough
adjustments for you. Does the wheel feel
comfortable in your hands? Are there
audio and/or cruise-control buttons on
the steering wheel? This can make it easier
to perform common functions without
taking your eyes off the road.
Once you have the seat and steering
wheel positions set, assess your driving
position. You should be able to reach
the pedals without sitting too close to the
steering wheel. Some SUVs and trucks
even have power-adjustable pedals, so
check those too. Make sure there is
sufficient space between the top of your
head and the ceiling.
Your body should be at least 10 inches
away from the steering wheel so the air
bag has room to deploy if necessary You
should be able to reach all the controls
without taking your eyes off the road.
Check your visibility both inside and
outside the cabin. Make sure you can see
the instrument panel clearly. You should
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CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 29
TEST DRIVES
also be able to see well in all directions
while maintaining a comfortable posture
as you drive. A high dashboard and low
seats — or high seats and a low roofline —
can obstruct the view forward. Wide roof
pillars can block your view to the rear,
creating dangerous blind spots. Can you
accurately judge the location of your front
bumper from over the dashboard and
down the hood? Adjust the side mirrors
so they’re positioned right for you.
GET FAMILIAR WITH THE INTERIOR
While you’re sitting in the driver’s seat,
look around and assess your environ-
ment. Many elements make up a well-
designed interior. Is this one that you
will want to spend a lot of time in?
Check the controls and displays. Any
person who will be driving the vehicle
should be able to see, reach, and use all
controls easily. The dashboard layout
should be logical and intuitive. Are the
instruments easy to see and interpret?
Are controls for the audio and climate-
control systems logical and uncompli-
cated? The buttons and knobs should be
large enough to operate them quickly,
easily, and without having to take your
eyes off the road for more than a moment.
All the controls should have clear,
unambiguous markings, and the ones
you use at night should be illuminated.
Push buttons should give good tactile
feedback. Adjust the climate-control
system to your preferred temperature
to see how well it works.
Now is the time to find the hood
and trunk releases, fuel-filler door
release, power-door lock button, win-
dow switches, and maybe the seat heater
switches. Are there map lights in the
front or is there simply a single dome
light above the front seats?
Are there places to stash things?
Check to see if there is sufficient space
for your MP3 player, cell phone, CDs, toll
change, sunglasses, and such. Will a
water bottle, a large cup, or your favorite
travel mug fit securely in the cup holders?
Drink containers shouldn’t block
access to important switches or cubbies
that you may need to open or reach into
while driving.
Open the glove compartment. Can it
hold more than the owner’s manual?
There should be room for a flashlight, a
tire pressure gauge, and any other things
you carry there.
How does the audio system sound?
Connect your phone or MP3 player, or
pop in a CD, to see if the audio quality
meets your expectations. Make sure you
^hrysler's UConnect interface
left) is very intuitive to use and
las iarge, easily readable fonts.
3ther systems, like the Cadillac
'ue (below) are convoluted and
listracting. Often the simpler,
ess exciting systems work best.
30 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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RIGHT: GETTY IMAGES/BARRY AUSTIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Kids & dealerships
Should you bring your children when shopping for a new vehicle?
The answer is yes and no. It's a good idea to bring them along when
you're doing your test drives, because it's important to make sure
they'll fit securely (and happily) in your new vehicle. And they can give
you a good "rear-seat" perspective, such as whether the seats are
comfortable and they can easily see out the windows.
If this can't be arranged, or if you think a long test-drive day will
wear them down, make sure you go back for a second test drive with
the entire family for any vehicle you are serious about buying.
If you have a teenager who will be driving the car, you should let
him or her take a turn behind the wheel while you're test driving.
But when it comes time to visit dealerships to negotiate the best
deal you can, kids are best left at home. They can become a distrac-
tion during the process, especially if you end up spending a lot of
time in showrooms.
run through the common controls to
see how easy they are to operate.
Try out any advanced electronics
systems. If the vehicle has a full-feature
climate-control or electronics such as
navigation, voice-activated controls,
a hands-free phone hookup, or a multi-
function control system, definitely
spend time trying them out.
You may want to take some time and
have the salesperson show you how they
work, since some are very complicated
and hard to use without studying the
owner’s manual. Learning a new system
can be distracting while driving, so begin
by going through as much as you can
while parked. Don’t be shy about asking
questions. Most salespeople go through
extensive training in order to explain
all of the systems in the car.
Finally, if there is a sunroof or moon-
roof, open it to see how easily it operates.
Raise and lower the convertible top to
make sure it operates quickly and easily,
and look to see how much trunk space
it steals.
CHECK OUT THE REAR SEATS
After you’ve finished with the driver’s
seat, sit in each of the other seats. Spend
some time in the backseats to see what
it’s like. Some cars with low-slung roofs
force you to duck a lot to keep from
banging your head, especially when
accessing the rear. In others, it can be
awkward to step into the rear because
there’s a high, wide sill or a narrow
door opening.
Leg and foot room, especially in
the back, can be too tight for some pas-
sengers. Do rear-seat passengers get
fold-down armrests? Are there adequate
cup holders, storage spaces, and ash-
trays front and back? What about USB
and 12-volt power outlets in the cabin
and cargo area?
If you use a child seat, make sure it
can be easily secured. Is it possible to lift
a sleeping child out of the seat without
straining or banging your head? Check
how much crawling is required to access
the third-row seat in minivans and SUVs.
Once back there, how comfortable (or
claustrophobic) does it feel?
Finally, if you have kids, are they
going to be happy back there? See if there
are plenty of places for drinks, snacks,
toys, and books. Can they see out of the
windows easily? Many new vehicles have
high windowsills that make it difficult
for small children to see out. This can
lead to boredom and complaining.
Check out any optional conveniences
like rear climate controls or audio and
video systems. Judge for yourself if
they’re worth the extra cost.
INSPECT THE CARGO AREA
Be sure to check out the trunk or cargo
area. Some trunks or rear hatches have
to be opened from the outside with
a key, which can be a real nuisance when
your hands are full. Better designs have
a covered grab handle or touch pad that
can be used to unlatch and open the
trunk lid or hatch. Also good is a power-
operated release that lets you open the
trunk or hatch by pressing a button on
the key fob.
Once the trunk lid is open, check
to see what kind of hinges it has. The
most common design is also the worst:
gooseneck hinges that swing down
and can crush packages. Better designs
use struts that don’t intrude into the
cargo space.
How difficult will it be to load bulky
items? How high do you have to lift
things to load them? Make sure the space
is big enough and configured to carry
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CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 31
TEST DRIVES
Make sure you spend
time examining the
vehicle with your
uses in mind. Have
your kids clamber
into the second-
and third-rows seats;
outdoor adventurers
should check that
there is plenty of
room in the trunk or
cargo area for their
gear (above).
any odd-sized cargo you may have —
like golf clubs.
Does the seatback fold down for
increased cargo space? The most versatile
designs have split seatbacks that allow
you to fold either half down separately
Some cars come with a flat-folding
front passenger seat for carrying extra-
long items that extend all the way from
the trunk to the glove box. If there is
a third-row seat, check that it folds flat
or into a well in the floor. Make sure
they’re easy to fold down.
What about the spare tire? It’s
important to check with the salesperson
to see if the vehicle comes with a spare.
Many manufacturers are eliminating
this one-time ubiquitous item. Instead,
they just supply a compressor and a can
of sealer. To us, that’s an insufficient
substitute for a real spare tire. If the car
comes with a compact spare, ask if a
full-sized spare will fit in the well. Make
sure a jack and tool kit are provided. Is
there room for your own tools and
emergency items?
LIFT THE HOOD
Ask your salesperson to show you the
service points in the engine compartment.
The location of dipsticks and fluid filler
caps should be handy and easily iden-
tified. The same goes for the battery ter-
minals; you want them easily reached
should you ever need jumper cables. Be
aware: some cars have batteries in the
32 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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trunk, or hidden in difficult-to-access
cubbies. These use remote terminals for
jumping or trickle-charging the battery.
Getting on the road
You’ve already knocked off a big part
of the test drive, and are likely itching
to start some on-road evaluations.
The best way to do that is to eliminate
as many distractions as possible. Some
dealers will let you take the car out by
yourself, but don’t be surprised of one
or two insist on sending someone along.
This is where your companion can come
in handy: let them deal with a jabbering
salesperson while you concentrate on
the vehicle.
However, this can be a potentially
dangerous situation. A new car will likely
overly impress you, since it’s better than
the one you’re now driving. It’s key to
compare it to other new vehicles in which
you’re interested, rather than to your cur-
rent car. The more vehicles you test-drive,
the better perspective you’ll develop.
Listen and feel for the things you like,
and be on the lookout for things you might
not be happy with. Many cars have per-
sonalities, and it’s important to find one
that matches yours. Little things that might
seem insignificant now could become
major irritants down the road.
Here are a few things you should
consider during your test drive. If
possible, have your companion remind
you of these points, or even read the
following points, while you drive:
Ride comfort. Gauge ride comfort
on a stretch of imperfect pavement. Do
the potholes, seams, and cracks in the
pavement rattle your teeth and punch
your kidneys? Or does the suspension
isolate you from the road and keep you
blissfully unaware of the decrepit road
conditions?
Soft suspensions feel pillowy over
holes and ruts, but allow the body to
wallow up and down a bit after a large
bump. The best vehicles feel tight and
controlled over bumps, recovering
immediately.
Not every car has the battery near the engine. Have the dealer show you where the
battery is, or if there are terminals underhood if you need a jump start.
Sporty cars, including some sedans,
typically have a firm ride, which is
a trade-off for their better handling
characteristics. Firm can be good, but
often in small doses. Many buyers who
were bitten by the sports car bug have
later come to regret it. A rough ride can
quickly get old when every little ripple
in the asphalt punches through as a
teeth-chattering jolt.
Some cars, especially small ones,
have a “busy” ride, which means the
body makes constant little jittery
motions up and down or side to side.
Avoid that if you can. The better cars
have suspensions that swallow up
pavement flaws without sharing them
with the vehicle’s occupants.
Acceleration. It’s a scary feeling when
you need acceleration. . .NOW. . .to pull
out into traffic, but the engine feels
unwilling — or unable — to deliver. So
make sure you try a quick acceleration
run from a stop and a rolling merge into
fast freeway traffic. You want to be able
to maintain highway speeds without
constantly flogging the car. If the engine
has to scream its head off to get you up
to highway speed, look elsewhere.
Try climbing a steep hill and note
if the transmission downshifts smoothly
and how the engine responds. You
shouldn’t feel any clunks or harsh, abrupt
shifts. There should be seamless power
delivery, without any hiccups.
Strong, dependable acceleration is
one part engine power, one part effective
transmission. Even a powerful engine
can feel lame if it’s coupled with a medio-
cre transmission. Conversely, a lower-
horsepower engine can perform better
in combination with a modern, well-
designed transmission.
A major benefit of a test drive is to
see if you like the powertrain. If you
weren’t impressed, now is the time to try
a different one if available or look at
other brands.
Braking. During your drive, pay
attention to how the brakes feel. Are they
responsive without being too touchy?
Braking is hard to evaluate thoroughly
without professional help, but you can
do a basic assessment. Just make sure to
warn the salesperson in advance.
Try to get a sense of how the vehicle
responds to both soft and more forceful
braking. It should be smooth and
progressive. Grabby brakes that suck
out your eyeballs or feel as if you’re
pushing into a bowl of oatmeal don’t
help driver confidence.
Hybrid and electric cars will likely feel
different under braking than in the car
you are used to driving. This is because
they incorporate mechanisms to capture
braking energy to charge the battery.
They may feel slightly numb or isolated.
Steering and handling. Good steer-
ing should feel easy and controllable
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 33
DRIVE THE CAR
If you haven't bought a new car in a while, you may face a host of new technologies, such as
blind-spot warning systems (top). Make sure you are comfortable with them before buying the
car. Clear, well-illuminated gauges can make driving at night less fatiguing (above).
through turns — not so quick that it
feels darty and not so slow that it takes
a lot of turning to make a maneuver.
You should get “feedback” through the
steering wheel: a good system will tell
you what the wheels are doing on the
road. The lesser systems feel numb and
disconnected from the wheels.
Steering systems have evolved rapidly
over the past few years. Variable power
steering, which adds more heft at higher
speeds and lightens up the steering effort
at slow speeds — like when trying to
park — is commonplace.
But electric systems — either fully
or partially electric — are found in more
and more vehicles. These don’t use
hydraulic lines to help move the steer-
ing rack (which turns the wheels left
or right). Instead, they send signals to
the gears that move the rack.
The benefit is marginal gains in
fuel economy through the removal
of the hydraulic system. But often
that comes at the expense of steering
feel and weight. The better systems
are transparent: you’d never know the
type of system. Weaker systems often
feel artificially light or heavy, or just
never have the appropriate weight for
the conditions. Some are too heavy
when parking, and overly light on the
highway.
When driving, consider how the
car responds well to quick maneuvers.
Check if it tracks well when driving
straight ahead or if it requires small,
continual corrections. Since the vehicle’s
response to quick steering maneuvers is
a key factor in avoiding an accident, it’s
important to be comfortable with the
way your vehicle responds.
On thing to remember — don’t play
race car driver. This isn’t the place to
push a vehicle to its handling and
braking limits. Instead, see Consumer
Reports’ accident avoidance Ratings in
the Vehicle Ratings charts that begin
on page 76.
Quietness. At one point during the
test drive, turn off the radio and close
all the windows so you can hear what is
going on, especially at highway speeds.
Check how subdued or raucous the
engine is during heavy acceleration and
highway cruising.
Four-cylinder engines tend to be
the noisiest, so you may also want to try
a V6, if it’s offered, to see if it’s any bet-
ter. Remember: engines don’t get quieter
with age. Something that’s borderline
offensive during the test drive will be
downright unlivable as time goes by.
Is there excessive wind noise? The
side mirrors are a major source of wind
noise, as are roof rails on SUVs and
wagons.
Tires can be another source of noise.
High-performance tires on cars and
off-road tires on SUVs and pickup trucks
tend to create the most noise. While
annoying, this noise is often a big part
of the ownership experience, and peo-
ple who gravitate toward these vehicles
are usually not bothered by it. But the
test drive is a good way to find out your
tolerance level.
Visibility. This can vary greatly, even
among similar vehicles. But you can
tell which ones have the best visibility
during your back-to-back drives. Don’t
forget to check rear visibility when
backing up and the size of the rear blind
zone. Backup cameras are just a part
of the rear visibility equation. They
shouldn’t have to compensate for thick
roof pillars and small windows.
Driving at night. Of course daytime
visibility is important. But once you are
serious about buying a car, try to test
drive it after dark. This way you’ll be able
34 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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CLIP & SAVE WORKSHEET
i
to tell how well the headlights perform;
which switches, gauges, and controls are
lighted for nighttime use; and whether
there are any annoying reflections in the
windshield.
After the test drive
You can bet that once the test drive ends,
the hard-sell process will begin. Your
salesperson is counting on you being
jazzed from driving a new car and ready
to seal the deal. This isn’t the ideal time
to start negotiating, especially if you still
have other cars to test drive. In reality,
you need this time to collect your thoughts.
Even if you absolutely love the car, keep
your emotions in check.
Use the test drive checklist on this
page to help organize your notes.
How you’re treated during your first
visit to a dealership may tell you a lot
about any future relationship, so make
sure you’re comfortable with the atmo-
sphere and test-drive experience. Your
test drives give you a good chance to
evaluate a variety of dealerships. Even
the lowest possible price usually won’t
compensate for a bad dealership experi-
ence. Every salesperson you deal with
should treat you with respect and hon-
esty. Unfortunately, there are exceptions
to every rule. So we have included some
helpful questions that you should ask
yourself when deciding where to buy your
next vehicle:
> Was the salesperson responsive to
questions?
> Was I treated with respect?
> Did I get all of the information
I needed?
> Did I get honest answers?
> Was it easy to arrange a test drive?
> Were any high-pressure tactics used
during my first encounter?
> Was I invited back for more test drives?
If you answered “yes” to more than a few
of these questions about a dealership,
there’s a good chance you might want
to do business there. If you answered
“no” often, you should think about going
elsewhere to buy your car.
Test-drive checklist
WALK-AROUND
CHECKLIST
GOOD
AVERAGE
POOR
COMMENTS
EXTERIOR
Styling [
Body panel fit
& finish
INTERIOR
Driving position
Ergonomics
Quality of plastics,
leather, upholstery
Ease of entry/exit,
front & rear
Head room,
front & rear
Leg room,
front & rear
Seat comfort,
front & rear
Instruments &
controls, layout
& usefulness
Storage space
inside
Cargo space
Comfort & conve-
nience features
Audio system
controls
I
I
ROAD-TEST
CHECKLIST
GOOD
AVERAGE
POOR
COMMENTS
Acceleration/
passing/hill climbing
Braking
Handling/cornering
Transmission
Ride comfort/
suspension
Driving position
Noise from engine,
wind, and tires
Rattles and sgueaks
Visibility: front, side,
rear, mirrors
OVERALL
EVALUATION
MAZDA6
$29,050
36 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
37 HOW MUCH CAN YOU AFFORD?
39
UNDERSTANDING YOUR CREDIT SCORE
41
WHERE TO SHOP FOR A LOAN
42
GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A LOAN
42
AUTO FINANCING ALTERNATIVES
With the price of a new car now averaging more than
$30,000, few of us can afford to simply write a check to
cover the purchase. That’s why the vast majority of new-car
buyers — some 85 percent — take out a loan to finance all
or part of it. Scary finance fact #1: The average new-car loan
is for more than $27,000, the highest it’s ever been.
But this is a good time to shop around
for money. Interest rates are far lower
than they were ten years ago, and lenders
have loosened up their credit require-
ments a lot in the past two or three years.
In this chapter we provide insights
and strategies for getting the most for
your money. We’ll tell you how to esti-
mate what you can afford, how and
where to shop for the most favorable loan
rates, and what you need to know about
your credit score.
How much can you afford?
If you don’t have a clear picture of how
much you can actually afford, it’s all too
easy to bite off more than you can chew
getting behind the wheel of a new car.
Many people fall in love with a dream car
and enter a state of denial when it comes
to the math. Or they let themselves be
lulled by a friendly salesperson into
buying more options than they need or
extra-cost items they can do without, like
an extended warranty service contract.
Affordability, of course, means dif-
ferent things to different people, and
usually hinges on both household income
and existing obligations. A childless
professional couple likely has much more
latitude than a family with two young
children, even if both families have the
same income.
What’s your budget? Take an honest
look at your current finances. The
fancy word for this is doing a “cash-flow
analysis,” but it’s really just a monthly
budget. See much you currently spend
on essentials like mortgage or rent,
utilities, food and clothing. Add other
monthly payments, such as student
loans, homeowners insurance, cell
phone, internet, and cable TV. Don’t
forget to include local taxes, if any.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 37
CREDIT CARDS: GETTY IMAGES/SCANRAIE
SAVING MONEY
not deducted from your paycheck. It s
important to leave yourself a decent
cushion for entertainment, vacations,
emergencies, and retirement savings.
Now look over your bank and credit
card statements for the last two years.
This should give you a solid idea of
where all the money goes. You may find
places where you can cut back, or you
may already be running pretty lean. Get
a handle, too, on what you currently
spend on car-related activities: an exist-
ing loan as well as maintenance, repair,
fuel, and auto-insurance costs.
Years ago there was a common rule
of thumb called the 20/4/10 rule that
was used to estimate auto -ownership
affordability. That meant making
a 20 percent down payment, taking
out a four-year loan, and devoting no
more than 10 percent of your gross
income each year to the loan, including
car insurance.
In current times that rule of thumb
just doesn’t work for people. New-car
prices are too high for a three- or four-
year loan and incomes are stretched too
thin. As a result, car-buyers are taking
out longer and longer loans to keep the
monthly payment bearable. The average
term is now 66 months (five and a half
years), according to Experian Automotive,
the market-analysis arm of the Experian
credit-reporting agency. Scary finance
fact #2: 25% of all new loans run from
about six to seven years.
Just because a lot of people are doing
it, super-long loans are not a great idea.
Eor one thing, unless you can come up
with a really large down payment, for
many years you will owe more than the
car is worth. Lenders call the period
where you owe more than the car’s value
“being under water.”
If you have to sell the car or if it gets
totaled before you reach the break-even
point you’ll wind up making continuing
payments on a car you no longer own.
The extra years of payments also mean
extra years of interest, and that can
really add up.
Many people trade in a car they still
owe money on. A dealer who arranges
financing then rolls whatever is due on
the old loan into the new loan. This may
look like an attractive proposition if
you are in a situation where you can’t
pay off your old car before selling it. But
beware. In essence you’ll be paying off
the balance due on the old car for the
entire term of the new loan. And that
balance-due will be affected by whatever
the dealer offers as a trade-in allowance.
If the dealer gives you a low-ball trade-
in allowance you could be upside-down
for a long time.
Price your new insurance. Your cash-
flow analysis will tell you how much
you have left over to devote to car owner-
ship each month. Your monthly loan pay-
ment has to be considerably less than that,
however, because cars bring running
costs: fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
Once you have a candidate car in
mind and know its approximate selling
price, call your insurance agent to ask
what it would cost to add that car to your
policy. Or go online for competitive
insurance quotes.
If you’ve been driving an old car up
to now you might be surprised at how
much your rates may rise. Obviously it
costs more to insure a car valued at
How much car for a given
monthly payment?
This table calculates the price of a vehicle that different monthly payments and loan terms
will buy. This assumes a $5,000 down payment and an Annual Percentage Rate of 4 1/2
percent. Also baked in is a sales tax of 6 percent.
Monthly payment
1
$350
$19,196
$23,990
$25,517
$400
$21,265
$26,743
$28,489
$450
$23,333
$29,496
$31,460
$475
$24,368
$30,873
$32,946
38 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
$30,000 than one valued, say, at $10,000.
You might, have dropped collision cov-
erage on your old car to save money.
But not only will you want that coverage
on the new one, it is also required by
the financing company if you have a loan
or a lease on the vehicle. See Chapter 8
(page 70) for more on auto insurance.
Your monthly payment. As far as
car selection is concerned, the point
of the budgeting exercise is to determine
the highest monthly payment you are
comfortable with. That is information
you keep to yourself when negotiating
with a car salesman, however.
Why keep that information close
to the vest? Because the moment a
smooth-talking car salesman discovers
the highest monthly payment you can
bear is the moment he can structure
a deal that will use every bit of it, and
possibly put you into the most expensive
car he can. The easiest way for him to
do that is to stretch out the loan. That
also gives a dealer who arranges financ-
ing the ability to build in a higher than
necessary interest rate without you
realizing it.
Actually, though, making a sober
assessment of what you can comfortably
afford might tell you that you shouldn’t
buy the car you had your heart set on
right now. Then you might either con-
sider a cheaper car, or a comparable
used car, or postpone the purchase until
you can save up a larger down payment.
Another option is leasing, which we
discuss in Chapter 5 (page 44).
Test-driving monthly payments.
How much car will a given monthly pay-
ment buy? Numerous online loan calcu-
lators can help you do the math. One
that’s especially easy to use is the “afford-
ability calculator” at Cars.com, but there
are many others. Among other things,
they let you plug in a monthly payment
of your choice, along with other assump-
tions, and see the total price of the car
that payment will finance.
For example, suppose you want to
hold your loan payment down to $350
per month. Assume an interest rate
of 414 percent, which was about average
for a new-car loan in mid-2014, plus
a sales-tax of 6 percent, and a down
payment of $5,000. A 66-month loan
would buy a roughly $24,000 car. In
the same conditions a $450 monthly
payment would buy a car costing about
$29,500.
Picking a loan term of 48 months —
which we think is more sensible than
66 months — would limit your choices
but still buy some pretty acceptable cars.
A $350 monthly payment would finance
only a $19,200 car while a $475 payment
would net a car costing about $24,400.
Understanding your
credit score
Before applying for a loan, it’s wise to
check your credit standing. That will
give you a pretty good indication of
where you stand in the eyes of potential
lenders. Many people assume that few
car-shoppers have good enough credit
to qualify for the cheapest, lowest-interest
auto loans, but that’s not so. According
to Experian, one of the big- three credit
bureaus, about two-thirds of all new-
car auto loans last year were granted to
people with “Prime” or better credit
standing, and 44 percent of borrowers
were in the highest category, called
“Super prime” in Experian’s parlance.
You can obtain your credit infor-
mation from any or all of the three big
credit-reporting agencies, also called
credit bureaus, which monitor consum-
ers’ credit information. Besides Experian
the others are Trans-Union and Equi-
fax. They all track your past and present
borrowing behavior and also generate
a three-digit score that supposedly
summarizes your credit-worthiness.
By law, you’re entitled to one free
report from each of the three major credit
bureaus every 12 months. To order your
reports visit annualcreditreport.com.
When you get your reports, scrutinize
them carefully for errors, because you
can challenge any mistakes you find, and
it’s smart to correct any misinformation
that could be depressing you score.
While the reports are free, at least
once a year, the scores may not be. Eor
those you’ll wind up paying about $7
each from the credit bureaus themselves
and about $20 each from other services.
If you’ve ever had a bank loan, install-
ment loan, or credit card, information
regarding your account activity will appear
on your reports. Besides payment history,
the credit bureaus track your total avail-
able credit, current debt, and how much
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 39
SAVING MONEY
of your available credit you are using,
among many other factors. You may also
find negative information: late payments,
missed payments, judgments, write-offs,
and bankruptcies.
Your scores will almost certainly
differ, at least a little, from one agency
to another. Each may gather information
from a slightly different list of creditors
who report your payment activity to
them, and they each use different algo-
rithms to turn your credit activity
into a score.
MANY SCORES, LITTLE CONTROL
Credit scores are often generically called
FICO scores. That’s because a firm called
Fair Isaac Company developed the most
widely used scoring algorithms, software
it sells to the credit-reporting agencies
and lenders. Fair Isaac refines its FICO
software much as Microsoft trots out
successive generations of Windows, Office,
and Word. Those algorithms are also
tweaked for different lenders for differ-
ent purposes.
That means that there are many
versions of FICO score in circulation,
used by mortgage companies, credit-
card issuers, auto lenders and others.
Depending on who is pulling a score
on you, your credit history may generate
more than 60 different scores. You
should realize, too, that your credit score
fluctuates throughout the year as your
various loan balances change, or you
apply for new credit, or close existing
accounts. Those are two good reasons
not to obsess too much on the scoring
number and on modest differences you
may see between the different scores
you might obtain.
When you buy or obtain your
free-once-a-year scores from the credit-
reporting agencies, what you get is
a branded score called a PFUS score,
which is a FICO score with some fin-
ishing touches incorporated by the
agencies. For several reasons they differ
a little bit from one agency to another.
Credit bureaus may not all gather the
Improving your
credit score
Here are some tips for keeping your
credit record healthy:
• Sign up for automatic payments
from your checking account so that
at least the minimum payment is
made each month.
• Don't max out on credit cards.
Try to keep your balance no higher
than 20% of the card's limit.
• Don't ciose credit-card accounts
you aren't using. Unused credit
is good for your long-term record.
• Get your credit reports and
challenge any misinformation
you find.
• If you want auto-loan providers
to see you in the best light, never
miss a car payment.
same information on you. And you
may see scores that use different scales:
300 to 900, 300 to 850, or something
similar.
What they are not is the exact score
that any given lender may be using
to judge your loan application. Fenders
buy scoring software from FICO and
other providers. The lenders have no
obligation to show you the score they are
using to judge your credit-worthiness.
Scoring tiers. Fenders typically
divide credit scores into tiers, or categor-
ies. It might be a simple five-step scheme
such as Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, and
Bad. In recent analyses of consumer
credit behavior nationally, Experian has
been using these tiers: Super prime (740-I-),
Prime (680-739), Nonprime (620-679),
Subprime (550-619), and Deep Subprime
(Under 550). The average score of all
borrowers in mid-2014 was 681, which
is pretty darn good.
Different providers may put the cut
points between categories at different
places. For instance, a score of 680 might
be considered prime in one system and
nonprime in another.
Fenders, however, can put the cut
points wherever they want, according
to their own business needs. For auto
lenders such as the car companies’ financ-
ing arms, the amount of your down
payment can dramatically change the
tier they put you in.
The tier you land in can make a huge
difference in the Annual Percentage Rate
you’ll pay. Fast year, people in the high-
est tier were paying less than 3 percent on
new-car loans. Conversely, sub-prime
borrowers were paying, on average, more
than 13 percent.
As we explain below, however, the
score you obtain with your credit reports
is only a rough guide to how credit-worthy
a lender will judge you. Fenders make
decisions on whether to approve a loan,
how much to lend you, and at what
interest rate they quote, based solely on
their needs, not yours. And they may
consider all sorts of factors, such as your
income and work history, that credit
bureaus don’t even track.
You could have perfectly good
credit and some bank will might turn you
down if it doesn’t need borrowers with
your score right now. But you could have
lousy credit and still get a loan if the lender
wants to make more sub-prime loans.
What many people don’t realize is
that getting turned down for a loan
doesn’t hurt your credit score. The credit-
reporting agencies only track the appli-
cations you make, not the results.
Lenders' "secret" scores. When
lenders make various kinds of loans, such
as auto loans or home mortgages, they
often use scoring models adapted for the
purpose, which produce different scores
from those you obtain for yourself from
the credit bureaus. In the auto loan area
40 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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LECT: SHUTTERSTOCK/PRETO PEROLA
there are, for instance, scoring models
called “auto enhanced” or “auto industry”
variants. They’re based on formulas that
give more weight to your past behavior
specifically with auto finance.
If you’ve made late payments or
defaulted on a car loan it will ding your
“auto” score more than otherwise. Sim-
ilarly, if you’ve been really good with
auto payments, your score could be higher
than the one used by a credit-card issuer.
An auto lender might not care, for instance,
if you’re chronically late with your Visa
bill as long as you pay your car loan on
time every time.
What is vexing to many consumers,
however, is that they have no legal right
to see that “auto-adjusted” loan score.
That puts consumers at somewhat of
a disadvantage. If the auto score is wildly
different from a regular FICO score, con-
sumers can’t learn why or do anything
about it.
However, if you’ve had a positive auto-
loan history it’s probably safe to assume
that your auto -loan score will reflect it.
The reverse is also true. If you discover
that your credit-bureau report shows neg-
ative information about your prior auto-
loan performance that isn’t true, you
should contest that information, both
with the credit bureau and with whatever
creditor is bad-mouthing you.
Do scores even matter? Some experts
have argued, with some justification,
that it’s pointless to get your scores from
the credit agencies since lenders don’t
have to use them to make a loan. They’ll
either lend you money or they won’t.
But we think that getting your easily
available credit reports and scores is
still useful. It will tell you where you fall
generally on the credit spectrum, and
may prod you to fix any errors you find.
If the information is accurate, most of the
time the credit-bureau scores run fairly
parallel with lenders’ secret scores.
Where to shop for a loan
The auto-finance business is enormous,
with hundreds of institutions making
hundreds of billions of dollars’ worth of
car loans every year. The largest lenders
are big national banks like Wells
Fargo, Capital One, Chase, and Bank
of America. Other big players are the
“captive” finance companies belonging
to automakers, such as Toyota Finan-
cial Services, Honda Finance, and Ford
Motor Credit.
Some of the best deals come from
those captives, especially when the auto-
maker itself is subsidizing the loans.
Other lenders include credit unions, local
banks, and finance companies. Consumer
finance companies are not banks — they
don’t take deposits — and many of them
specialize in making high-interest-rate
sub-prime loans. Big names there include
Westlake Financial, Credit Acceptance
Corp, and Santander, an international
bank that has a large consumer-finance
division in the U.S.
Here’s a rundown on various types
of lending institutions :
Banks generally have very specific,
conservative loan policies and some of
them may only cater to those with better
credit standing. As such, those are in
a position to offer some very competitive
loan rates. Bank offerings vary tremen-
dously, though, and some banks are
more interested in making loans to
people with marginal credit than others.
Since you probably have a relation-
ship with at least one bank already,
a local branch might be a good place to
start. Most banks have websites where
you can check their current loan rates,
but if you decide to apply for a loan, you
should stop by a branch office and deal
with a real person. It’s a good way to
control where your personal information
goes, and by avoiding mistakes or mis-
understandings, you might walk out the
door with a pretty good offer.
CAPTIVE FINANCE
COMPANIES LIKE
TOYOTA FINANCIAL
SERVICES, HONDA
FINANCE, AND FORD
MOTOR CREDIT
SUBSIDIZE THEIR
OWN LOANS.
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CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 41
SAVING MONEY
Credit unions operate a bit like
banks, but they are usually nonprofits
owned by their depositors, with lower
operating costs than banks. That
lets them lend money at lower rates
than banks charge. Many but not all
credit unions lend money only to
their members. However, some make
loans to people who don’t have deposit
accounts with them. The web site
Credit.com maintains links to several
big credit unions that make loans to the
general public.
Online lenders can be competitive
and also very convenient to use. Sites
like Lending Tree, BlueHarbor and
ELoan farm out your request to numer-
ous lenders, netting you several offers.
Individual lenders like Capital One
and Wells Fargo and their ilk also have
online loan operations.
Online financing has a downside, how-
ever. It maybe difficult to control where
the information you provide about your-
self goes, and you maybe bombarded
with e-mail and phone calls from lenders
you never heard of or contacted in the
first place.
If you do make an online application,
be sure to check for any up-front fees
you may have to pay. Also back away from
a loan with pre -payment penalties that
would make it hard to re-finance if you
want to in the future. And be sure to
check each website’s privacy policy before
providing personal information. As a
precaution if you’re not familiar with the
lender, check out its site with the Better
Business Bureau (bbb.org).
Dealerships arrange loans from auto-
makers, but also work with banks and
other independent sources. One benefit
to arranging financing through a dealer
is convenience. But often the rates they
quote include a markup for the dealer-
ship itself, which can make these loans
expensive. Armed with offers from some
of the other sources we’ve mentioned, you
maybe able to negotiate the dealer’s ini-
tial quote down to something attractive.
But you must do your homework first.
Also, some dealers advertise that
they will work with buyers who are credit
risks, but you should count on paying
a high APR.
Getting pre-approved
for a loan
There are many advantages to shopping
around for loans and lining up financing
before striking a deal with a car dealer.
The first is that loan shopping gives
you the chance to compare the various
interest rates on offer. Those interest rates
85 PERCENT
OF NEW-CAR
BUYERS TAKE
OUT A LOAN
TO COVER
SOME PART
OF THEIR CAR
PURCHASE. -
can vary a lot from one lender to another,
regardless of your credit standing. All
the loans granted by Bank A may be
more expensive than the loans granted
by Bank B. The wider you can cast your
net the better chance you have of landing
a bargain.
Secondly, getting pre-approved buys
peace of mind. You may or may not have
found the best deal possible but at least
you know you will have enough money
to cover the purchase, and you know
the interest rate and term, in years and
months, of the loan.
To get pre-approved, you first need
a pretty good idea of what your new
car will cost, including taxes and fees.
Deduct the down payment to see how
much you’ll actually need to borrow. Once
you get approved for some amount, say
$25,000, then the lender gives you a blank
check good for any amount up to that
limit. If it turns out that you find a better
deal elsewhere, such as through the dealer,
then you return the check, literally or
figuratively. There maybe fees involved,
though, so read the fine print first.
Scary finance fact #3: Each time you
apply for new credit it lowers your score
a little, for a limited period of time.
But credit bureaus treat a cluster of loan
applications occurring in a short period
as a single application rather than sev-
eral, and the negative affect is minor
and short-lived. So keep all your applica-
tions confined to a short time period,
about two weeks or less.
Auto financing alternatives
Financing through a bank or the dealer
is the way most people pay for new cars,
but it’s not the only way. Some folks have
access to the “Bank of Mom and Dad,” a
hallowed institution that often hands out
interest-free loans and early loan forgive-
ness. If that’s not on the table, conventional
borrowing may be the most advanta-
geous in the long run. Here we examine
some other ways to pay for a car.
Paying cash. It’s long been an article
of faith that paying cash is the cheapest
42 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
LECT: SHUTTERSTOCK/VITMA
Credit Reporting Agencies
• Equifax Credit
Information Services, Inc.
(equifax.com)
P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta,
GA 30374, 800-685-1111
• Experian
(experian.com)
P.O. Box 2104, Allen, Texas
75013, 888-397-3742
• TransUnion LLC
(transunion.com)
P.O. Box 2000 Chester, PA
19022-2000
800-916-8800
way to finance a car. Write a check once,
and you do away with the burden of
monthly payments forever. The only
downside of pulling money out of your
personal till is what’s called “opportunity
cost.” That’s the interest or dividends
you’ll give up on the money you part with,
and the opportunity to do something
else with it.
In the current low-interest-rate bor-
rowing environment it could be a game-
changer. For people with good credit,
borrowed money is cheap right now. They
can get bank loans for less than 3 per-
cent, and car-company subsidized loans
are sometimes 0 percent. If you’re con-
templating taking money out of an invest-
ment that pays you a reliable 5 percent,
say, then you’re better off borrowing the
cheap money.
As always, weigh up the total cost
of the loan, all the payments including
taxes and fees, versus what your capital
would be worth if you left it alone. In
the case of a subsidized low-interest loan,
you’ll want to be careful that the cheap
financing doesn’t mean you can’t bargain
the price down from the sticker price
in order to qualify. In the end you may
find that you’re better off with the rebate
and hard bargaining than you are with
the “free” financing.
You may also find that the opportu-
nity cost is minimal compared with the
aggravation of monthly payments.
Home equity. Mortgage lenders have,
for many years, been willing to make
additional loans secured by the equity in
your home, either as a single sum, a home
equity loan, or a home equity line of credit
(HELOC), essentially an open-ended
line of credit that you can draw on when
you want to, like a credit card.
The benefits of using the equity in your
home as collateral for some other type
of spending have been the possibility of
lower interest rates and the reality that the
interest portion maybe tax-deductible.
The tax benefit only counts if you itemize
deductions. And for what it’s worth, the
deduction is capped at $100,000.
However, there are downsides.
HELOCs are unpredictable because they
may have variable rates that can leave
you paying more than you anticipated.
But the biggest danger with either option
is the risk to your home. With a conven-
tional auto loan, the vehicle itself is the
collateral. But with either a home equity
loan or HELOC, the collateral is your
home. If something happens and you
can’t make the payments, your home
could be in jeopardy. That’s a big risk to
take for an auto loan.
Besides, you may find that you don’t
qualify or that the hurdles are higher
than you’d think. Lending standards are
a little looser than they were before the
real estate crash, but lenders may still be
pickier about who can get a loan than
they used to be.
401k loans. It’s possible to borrow
money from your 401k but check with
your plan administrator to see if using
the money for a non-essential like a
new car is allowed. Usually, such loans
are used to cover a medical emergency
or a first-home down payment. But one
benefit of a 401k loan is that interest
rates are low — usually the prime rate
plus one or two percent. Another is that
you’re borrowing money from yourself,
so the interest you pay goes back into
your own kitty.
There are a few significant down sides.
The first is opportunity cost — the lost
earnings on the capital you withdraw.
The repayment, generally limited to five
years or less, comes straight out of your
paycheck, which may tempt you to reduce
your regular 401k contribution. That’s
another long-term opportunity cost. If
you should lose your job or change plans,
you may have to repay the balance in full
within 60 days.
Then too, if you don’t repay the loan
at all you face taxes and early- withdrawal
penalties. That could put a big dent in your
nest egg by the time you retire.
To weigh the benefits and consequenc-
es for yourself, you can find a calculator
at Bankrate.com called “Should I borrow
from my 401 (k) plan?” Using common
assumptions, lending yourself money to
help buy a car when you’re 35 may not
hurt very much. But withdrawing money
and not paying it back could put a huge
dent in your future nest egg.
Credit cards. You also can purchase
a car, at least in part, by using a credit-
card draft or cash advance, which works
like a personal check. You may have
received a draft offer from your credit-
card company in the mail, with a letter
encouraging you to pay off other
credit balances or make some other
large purchase with them.
With low introductory rates and
cash- advance fee waivers, it may be tempt-
ing to use one to buy a car or to at least
come up with a down payment. It’s
not a good idea. Like a HELOC, this is
a revolving line of credit that gives you
flexibility in your monthly payments.
But card interest rates can climb dramat-
ically once the attractive introductory
rate expires.
Read the fine print. The introductory
interest rate on your outstanding balance
could suddenly pop up a lot. If you’re a
day late on a single payment it could rise
higher still. A loan like that is possibly the
worst way to finance a car.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 43
1
The new
face of
leasing
It's a booming business...
is it right for you?
44 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
45 THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE
46 PROS AND CONS
48 UNDERSTANDING LEASING
50 DOING THE DEAL
The choice between buying and leasing has often been a tough call. On one hand, buying
involves higher monthly costs, and in the end you own something after the term. On the
other, a lease has lower monthly payments, but you never stop paying. For several reasons,
though, a lot more people are choosing a lease over a loan than they did just a few years
ago. More than 25 percent of retail new-car transactions in 2014 were leases, up from just
10 percent in 2009. And it looks like the boom in leasing isn’t stopping anytime soon.
In this chapter weTl take a hard look at
the benefits — and pitfalls — of leasing,
and explain the mechanics of how a lease
deal works. We’ll also give a rundown on
common car-lease terminology and offer
tips on how to lock in a great deal.
The changing landscape
A number of converging trends have
changed the leasing landscape for the aver-
age consumer. For decades now, a large
proportion of luxury cars have been
leased. But that has changed, with more
compact cars, mainstream sedans, and
small SUVs entering the new-car lease
market as well. Attractive finance rates
have made some leases pretty good deals.
Automakers benefit by leasing a big
portion of a car’s production. Leases help
keep used-car supplies steady, which in
turn boosts resale values. A high resale
value means a vehicle is slower to depre-
ciate, which translates into cheaper leases
for that model. That benefits consumers.
Furthermore, when lease customers
return their car at lease-end, it gets those
customers into the dealership in person.
This is where the dealer has the chance to
move them into a new car, which an off-
lease customer needs pronto.
The low interest rates that have pre-
vailed elsewhere for the past few years
have also carried over into lease con-
tracts, which also helps moderate their
cost. Interest rates are a critical part
of the economics of leasing, because at
the end of the day a lease is just another
way to finance a car.
Another tactic for boosting a car’s
resale value is reflected in the low
mileage allowance in some new leases:
10,000 miles per year instead of the
customary 12,000. That may be fine for
people who don’t drive much, but the
average driver will exceed that figure
each year.
We also see a growing number of
leases with terms of less than 36 months.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 45
LEASING
which is a mixed blessing. Sure, it looks
good to someone who doesn’t want
to be locked into a long contract. But
a car’s first two years usually make
up the steepest part of the depreciation
curve, making for an expensive lease
period.
However, as discussed in Chapter 4,
it’s becoming common in the car-loan
market for people to stretch out the loan
for seven or eight years, simply to keep
the monthly payment under control.
Some of those people may be better off
leasing.
Pros and cons
Buying a vehicle with a conventional
car loan is pretty straightforward. You
borrow money from a lending institu-
tion and make monthly payments for
some number of years. A chunk of
each payment is interest and the rest is
principal. As you repay the principal
you build equity until, by the end of the
loan, the car is all yours. You can keep
it as long as you like and modify it how-
ever you choose. The only penalty for
modification or abuse could be a lower
resale value down the road.
THE UPSIDE
On the surface, leasing can be more
appealing than buying. Monthly
payments are usually lower because
you’re not paying back any principal.
Instead, you’re just borrowing and
repaying the amount that the car
depreciates in the time you have it, plus
finance charges. Here are the major
advantages of leasing:
> You drive the car during its most
trouble-free years.
> You’re always driving a late -model
vehicle, and one that’s usually covered
by the manufacturer’s warranty. There
might even be free oil changes and
other maintenance.
> You can drive a higher-priced, better-
equipped vehicle than you might other-
wise be able to afford.
> You don’t have to worry about fluctua-
tions in the car’s trade-in value, or go
through the hassle of selling it when it’s
time to move on.
> There could be significant tax advan-
tages for business owners.
> At the end you just drop the car off
at the dealer.
THE DOWNSIDE
As attractive as a lease may appear, there
are a number of disadvantages:
> In the end, leasing typically costs you
more than an equivalent loan, if only
because you are always driving a rapidly
depreciating asset.
> If you lease one car after another,
monthly payments go on forever. In con-
trast, the longer you keep a vehicle after
a loan is paid off, the more value you
get out of it. Over the long term, the cheap-
est way to drive is to buy a car and keep
it until the wheels fall off.
> Lease contracts specify a limited num-
ber of miles. If you go over that limit,
you’ll have to pay an excess mileage pen-
alty. That can range from 10 cents to
as much as 50 cents for every additional
mile. Unfortunately, you don’t get a credit
for unused miles.
> If you don’t maintain the vehicle in
ftps fOJLa.
smarJi^
lease - .
1 Negotiate the vehicle's purchase
price as if you were going to buy
the car. Only after you have established
a firm price should you discuss a
lease deal. And make sure that's the
figure used for the lease's gross
capitalized cost
2 The mileage limit, down payment,
and purchase-option price can also
be negotiated. The more you put down,
the less your finance charges will be.
3 Research the money factor in other
leases and negotiate it.
4 Unless it's included with the lease,
buy GAP insurance to protect
yourself in case the vehicle is stolen or
totaled in an accident.
5 To keep your monthly payments
as low as possible, look for cars that
don't depreciate faster than average.
Consumer Reports' owner-cost Ratings
are included in the Vehicle Profiles that
begin on page 96.
6 Avoid leases that extend beyond the
car's factory warranty.
7 Note any end-of-lease procedures
and fees.
8 Buy extra miles up front if you
expect to run over the standard
allotment, but don't buy more than
you'll likely use.
9 Make sure your trade-in is deducted
from the leased car's capitalized
cost. (See Chapter 6 for advice on how to
get the most value for your trade-in.)
4^ If you're considering buying after
Iw the lease ends, make sure the
vehicle is worth at least as much as its
buyout price. If not, try bargaining it
down or walk away.
46 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
TOP RIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK/ROBERT_S
How loans and leases differ
Below are some of the major differences between buying and leasing. To calculate
the financial difference between a loan and lease deal, use the worksheet on page 52
or the calculators in the Cars area of ConsumerReports.org.
BUYING
LEASING 1
Ownership
You own the vehicle and get to keep it as long as
you want it.
You don't own the vehicle. You get to use it
but must return it at the end of the lease unless
you decide to buy it.
Up-front costs
They include the cash price or a down payment,
taxes, registration, and other fees.
They can include the first month's payment,
a refundable security deposit, acguisition
fee, a down payment, taxes, registration, and
other fees.
Monthly payments
Loan payments are usually higher than lease
payments because you're paying off the entire
purchase price of the vehicle, plus interest and
other finance charges, taxes, and fees.
Lease payments are almost always lower than
loan payments because you're paying only for
the vehicle's depreciation during the lease term,
plus interest charges (called rent charges),
taxes, and fees.
Early termination
You can sell or trade in your vehicle at any time.
If necessary, money from the sale can be used
to pay off any loan balance.
If you end the lease early, charges can be as
costly as sticking with the contract. On occasion
a dealer may buy the car from the leasing
company as a trade-in, letting you off the hook.
Vehicle return
You'll have to deal with selling or trading in your
car when you decide you want a different one.
You return the vehicle at lease-end, pay any
end-of-lease costs, and walk away.
Future value
The vehicle will depreciate but its cash value is
yours to use as you like.
On the plus side, its future value doesn't affect
you financially. On the negative side, you don't
have any eguity in the vehicle.
Mileage
You're free to drive as many miles as you want.
But keep in mind that higher mileage lowers the
vehicle's trade-in or resale value.
Most leases limit the number of miles you may
drive, often 12,000 to 15,000 per year. (You can
negotiate a higher mileage limit.) You'll have to
pay charges for exceeding your limits.
Excessive wear and tear
You don't have to worry about wear and tear,
but it could lower the vehicle's trade-in or
resale value.
Most leases hold you responsible. You'll have
to pay extra charges for exceeding what is
considered normal wear and tear.
End of term
At the end of the loan term (typically four to
five years), you have no further payments
and you have built eguity to help pay for your
next vehicle.
At the end of the lease (typically two to four
years), you can finance the purchase of the
car, or lease or buy another.
Customizing
The vehicle is yours to modify or customize
as you like, although doing so may void
your warranty.
Because the lessor wants the vehicle returned
in saleable condition, any modifications or
custom parts you add will have to be removed
before you return the car. If there is any residual
damage, you'll have to pay to have it fixed.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 47
LEASING
good condition, you’ll have to pay excess
wear-and-tear charges when you turn it
in. So, if your kids are apt to go wild with
the magic markers or you are a magnet
for parking lot dents and dings, be
prepared to pay extra.
> If you need to get out of a lease before
it expires, you may be stuck with thou-
sands of dollars in early-termination fees
and penalties — all due at once. Those
charges could equal the amount of the
lease for its entire term.
> With a few exceptions, like profes-
sional window tinting, you need to
bring back the car in “as it left the show-
room” condition, minus usual wear
and tear, and configured like it was when
you leased it.
It’s important to consider these
pros and cons carefully. If you want to
compare a lease deal with an equivalent
loan to see which costs more, you can
use an online car-lease calculator or, for
a rough idea, or use our comparison
on page 49.
If a lease’s limitations put you off,
consider buying a less expensive new
car, a well-maintained used car such as
a “Certified Pre Owned” vehicle from
a franchised dealer, or getting a longer
loan term.
Finally, whichever way you choose
to acquire a new car, whether it’s with
cash, a loan, or a lease, you can save
by choosing one that holds its value
well, stays reliable, and gets good fuel
economy. Our vehicle Ratings, starting
on page 76, can point you in the right
direction.
Understanding leasing
To decide whether or not to lease your
next car, it’s important to understand the
financial components. Lease contracts
can look very complicated, thanks to their
use of bizarre terminology and a host
of fees that you may or may not have to
pay. It’s easy to get confused and pay too
much if you don’t understand how the
various moving parts fit together.
IF YOU CURRENTLY LEASE,
YOU MAY GET A "PULL-
AHEAD" OFFER TO LEASE
A NEW VERSION BEFORE
THE CONTRACT IS UP.
While you have possession of the
car during a lease, it actually belongs to
a financial institution, which might
be a bank, an automaker’s finance arm,
or another type of finance company.
Once you negotiate a price with the car
dealer, the leasing company then buys
it from the dealer for that agreed-upon
price and leases it to you.
There are five essential elements to
a lease contract:
1) Capitalized cost is the agreed-upon
price for the car. After deducting for any
down payment and/or trade-in (capital-
ized cost reduction), what’s left is the leas-
ing company’s actual investment in the car.
2) Residual value is the official esti-
mate of what the car will be worth at
the end of a lease term. It’s calculated as
a percentage of the car’s original MSRP,
then converted to a dollar figure.
3) The “money factor,” also called the
“lease rate,” “lease factor,” or just “factor,”
is essentially the same as the annual
percentage rate (APR) in a conventional
loan, but is expressed as a small decimal
fraction.
4) The term or length of a lease is
usually stated in months. A 3 6 -month
lease is typical.
5) The mileage allowance is how
many miles the lease allows you to travel
without penalty. It is usually specified as
miles-per-year, which is typically 12,000.
Why are monthly lease payments lower
than equivalent loan payments? In part
because with a lease you’re not paying
back any principal. On the surface, you’re
only paying for depreciation, and inter-
est on that depreciation. In practice,
though, you are also paying interest on
the residual value.
Why do you have to pay interest on
the part of the car that goes back to the
leasing company? Because the car is an
asset that belongs to the leasing company.
You’re driving around that asset for the
term of the lease, and the owner charges
you interest on its value. As a result,
finance charges are higher than you
might think.
48 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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Compare: Lease vs loan
This example compares the costs of financing a car with a six-year loan versus
a three-year lease. Then leasing a hypothetically identical car for another three
years. "Owning" after three years assumes paying off the loan, or taking the
buy-out offer with the expiring lease. Based on a $22,000, 2015 Honda Accord
LX. Numbers are rounded.
6-yr Loan
3-yr lease(s) I
Monthly payment
$333
$227
Down payment
$2,000
Cash due at signing
$2,000
Interest rate
2.9%
1.7% (Factor .00069)
Total paid after 3 years
$14,000
$10,200
Residual value after
3 years
$14,200
Cost to own after 3 years
$25,000
$24,400
Total paid after 6 years
$26,000
$20,200
(2 leases back to back)
Resale value at age 6
$6,000-
8,000
You don't have a car
to sell/trade-in
That is also why you pay extra to
extend the mileage limits on a lease.
More miles means more depreciation,
and the lease company will want
to recover that added depreciation
up front or month by month or at
lease-end.
However, the low interest-rate
environment and many automakers’
subsidized lease deals can switch the
arithmetic in favor of leasing.
Besides that, the additional cost
could be partly offset by the sales tax
break lessees get in most states. But even
then, lessees often have to contend with
various fees and other extra costs, includ-
ing lease initiation and disposal fees,
which can add hundreds more to the
total cost.
All these additional costs add up if
you keep leasing each time your old lease
runs out, although some fees and costs
may be waived through lease-loyalty
programs.
DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO LEASE?
It’s very difficult to make a fair head-to-
head comparison between, say, a six-year
loan and the standard three-year lease.
At the point the lease ends, the bank
borrower still has three years of pay-
ments to go while the lessee has to look
for another car — or perhaps take the
lease’s buy-out offer.
Besides that, an automaker may
kick in extra rebates on a lease deal, ones
not available to a loan customer. In addi-
tion, the “money factor” (interest rate)
on a lease may be different from the
interest rate offered on a loan, making
an apples-to-apples comparison almost
impossible.
Opting for a longer-term loan of six to
eight years may bring monthly payments
close to that of a lease, but not invariably.
Besides, longer loans make it easier
to get “upside down,” where you owe more
than the vehicle is worth, and stay upside
down for a long time. If you need to get
rid of the car early on or if it’s destroyed or
stolen, the trade-in, resale, or insurance
value likely will be less than you still owe.
Indeed, buying a car with a loan is
not the way to go if you want to drive a
new car every couple of years. Taking out
long-term loans and trading in early will
leave you having paid so much in finance
charges compared to principal that you’d
be better off leasing. If you can’t pay off
the difference on an upside-down loan,
you can often roll the amount you still
owe into the new loan. But then you end
up financing both the new car and the
remainder of your old car.
If your goal is to have both low
monthly payments and drive a new vehi-
cle every few years with little hassle, then
leasing is likely worth the extra cost. Be
sure, however, that you can live with all
the limitations on mileage, wear and tear,
and the like.
Finally, be sure you’ll be able to afford
the lease for its entire term, since the
early termination penalties can be costly.
For more details, see our leasing tips on
page 46.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 49
LEASING
Doing the deal
Leases are usually through car dealer-
ships. Like a loan, a lease can come from
the automaker or a third-party lender.
You also maybe able to arrange a lease
yourself through an independent bank
or finance company Just as with a loan,
you can get pre-qualified for a lease, and
it makes sense to do that, if only to form
a basis for negotiation with the car dealer.
The cheapest deals you’ll find are
subsidized leases offered by the auto-
makers’ own finance arm — Ford Motor
Credit, Ally (which handles financing
for GM and Chrysler products), Honda
Finance, and so on.
These automaker leases are some-
times subsidized, or "subvented." The
automaker can take money off the top,
with an extra rebate just for lease deals,
or they can raise the residual, or both.
Either way that reduces the depreciation
that the lease must finance. Occasionally
a subvented lease can bring a below-
market money factor, but that’s uncom-
mon. You can unearth these special
lease deals by checking the automakers’
and local dealers’ web sites.
Be aware, though, that a lot of these
leases are cheap because the automaker is
trying to clear the decks of slow-selling
cars. So that sweetheart deal is likely not
on a car you actually want. The special
deals may only be available to customers
with top credit scores. But with lending
standards looser than they were a couple
of years ago, don’t assume you won’t
qualify.
Whether you’re comparing leases or
evaluating a single offer, pay particular
attention to the lease interest rate, aka the
“money factor.” This is a small decimal
fraction, often written out to five places,
such as .00166
To convert a money factor to its equiv-
alent percentage rate, multiply it by 2,400.
Thus, a money factor of .00166 multi-
plied by 2,400 is the same as a 4 percent
Annual Percentage Rate. To go the other
way, divide by 2,400. An 8 percent
APR would convert to a money factor
of .00333.
Lease rates are often lower than an
equivalent loan's interest rates. Among
other things, lease contracts are less risky
for a finance company. Since they legally
own the car it’s easier to repossess it if
push comes to shove.
If the lease rate you’re being offered
is more expensive than a loan rate you
could get, try another leasing company
or a different dealer. Keep in mind that
lease rates, like those for loans, depend
on your credit score. But different lenders
have different standards.
You may be able to arrange a lease
yourself or compare lease offers through
online sources such as AutoleaseDirect.
com, LeaseCompare.com, or Credit
Union Leasing of America (cula.com).
READ LEASE ADS CAREFULLY
Many people assume when they see
a monthly payment printed in a leasing
ad that the figure is etched in stone. But
that monthly figure may be based on
the manufacturer’s suggested retail price,
which can be negotiated downward just
The language of leasing
Leasing has its own language.
To successfully navigate the
process, it helps to be familiar
with the following business
terms:
Acquisition fee. Covers
expenses such as obtaining
a credit report and verifying
insurance coverage.
Adjusted (or net) capitalized
cost. The total amount upon
which the lease payments are
based, including the cost of the
vehicle, minus any down
payment, and any fees or other
charges not paid up front.
Base monthly payment. The
portion that covers depreciation.
any amortized amounts, and
finance charges. Monthly sales/
use taxes and other fees are
added to determine the monthly
payment.
Capitalized cost reduction.
The same as a down payment
when buying a vehicle with
a loan.
Closed-end lease. A typical
lease, where the consumer
does not owe a difference if the
actual value of the car at the end
of the agreement is less than
the residual value that was set
at the beginning.
Depreciation. This is charged
to cover the vehicle's projected
decline in value during the lease
term. It's calculated as the differ-
ence between the net capitalized
cost and the vehicle's residual
value.
Disposition fee (disposal
fee). A fee charged to defray the
cost of preparing and selling the
vehicle at the end of the lease.
Early termination. Ending
the lease before the scheduled
termination date, whether vol-
untarily or involuntarily. In most
cases, you must pay an early-
termination charge.
Excess mileage charge.
A fee, usually 10 to 25 cents per
mile, for mileage in excess of
the maximum specified in the
agreement.
50 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
as if you were buying the vehicle. Here
are other things to watch out for:
What equipment? Some of those
ultra-cheap lease offers apply only to a
handful of cars on hand, which may
be strippers devoid of desirable features.
Act fast? A careful shopper needs
time to visit dealers and weigh compet-
ing offers. But to qualify for the attractive
terms in some ads, the customer has just
one day to sign the lease and must take
delivery of the vehicle within three days
after that. Don’t let yourself be rushed.
Minimal mileage allowances. Some
lease ads base their offers on an allowance
of 10,000 miles or less — pretty skimpy
for most people. Of course, if you exceed
that limit you’ll have to pay an extra charge
for each additional mile.
Singing paperwork Even before you
sign your lease contract, you should be
thinking about how you want to handle
the end of your lease. The contract will
spell out conditions you’ll be expected
to meet when it comes time to return the
vehicle, so now is the time to decide
ON THE SURFACE,
LEASING IS ATTRACTIVE
BECAUSE MONTHLY
PAYMENTS ARE LOWER
THAN FINANCING.
whether you can live with those terms.
Here’s what to consider:
Early-termination penalty. Typically,
if you terminate the lease early the pen-
alty can pretty much equal the rest
of the lease payments. So before you sign,
make sure the payments will fit into your
budget for the entire term.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT MILEAGE
As we’ve said, if you exceed the mileage
limitation in the lease, you could end up
paying as much as 50 cents for each addi-
tional mile you drive. If you think you
may need additional miles, you’re better
off purchasing them at a discount before
you take possession of the vehicle.
Sometimes you can do that during
the lease, but ask about that first. The
savings can be significant, since most
companies will let you boost your
mileage limits for about 10 to 15 cents
a mile. On the other hand, don’t buy
more miles than you’re likely to use.
Finally, keep in mind that the more
miles you drive, the greater the potential
for more wear and tear. You’ll be charged
for this at lease-end. So find out what
the dealer considers “excessive” wear and
tear before you sign the lease.
CHECK THAT IT'S
A CLOSED-END LEASE
Most consumer leases are closed-end
leases, meaning that you can walk away
at the end without having to pay the
finance company anything if the vehicle
loses more than its projected deprecia-
tion and disposition fee. Make sure that
this is what you’re signing.
Examine the purchase option. The
standard lease-end purchase option lets
you buy the vehicle for its stated residual
value when the lease is over. Check if
there are any extra fees associated with
Excessive wear and tear
charge. Charged to cover wear
and tear on a leased vehicle
beyond what is considered
normal. It usually covers both
interior and exterior damage.
GAP coverage (Guaranteed
Auto Protection). This makes
up the difference if your car is
stolen or destroyed, and you owe
more money on the lease than
your insurance company will
reimburse. One type of coverage
is a waiver by the lessor of the
GAP amount if the vehicle is
stolen or totaled. The other is a
contract by a third party to cover
the GAP amount.
Gross capitalized cost. The
vehicle price on which the lease
is based. Negotiate it. (See
Chapter 5 for information on
setting a target price.)
Lessee. The party to whom
the vehicle is leased, i.e., you.
The lessee is reguired to make
payments and meet any other
obligations in the agreement.
Lessor. A person or organ-
ization that leases, offers to
lease, or arranges for the lease
of a vehicle.
Mileage allowance (or
limitation). The fixed mileage
limit for the lease term. This
can be negotiated, but you may
have to pay an excess mileage
charge. You can pay for extra
miles up front, but you won't
get your money back if you don't
use them.
Money factor (or lease
factor). A number, often given
as a decimal, used by some
lessors to determine the rent
(interest) charge portion of your
monthly payment.
Purchase option. Your right
to buy the vehicle during or at
the end of the lease, according
to terms in the agreement.
Residual value. The vehicle's
estimated projected value at the
end of the lease. It's set at the
beginning of the lease and used
in calculating your base monthly
payment. The residual value
is deducted from the adjusted
capitalized cost to determine
the depreciation. The vehicle's
actual value at the end of the
term may be higher or lower.
Sales/use taxes. States
differ in which amounts are
taxed and when the taxes are
assessed. In a lease, sales/use
taxes may be assessed on
(1) the base monthly payment,
(2) any capitalized cost reduc-
tion, or (3) in a few states, the
adjusted capitalized cost. In
most states, the sales/use tax
on the base monthly payment
is paid monthly.
Security deposit. An amount
that can be used by the lessor in
case you default or at the end of
the lease to offset any money
you owe.
Subvention. This is a program
or plan in which certain vehicles
or items are subsidized by the
manufacturer, such as for a slow-
selling vehicle.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 51
LEASING
IF YOUR LEASE HAS
AN ARTIFICIALLY HIGH
RESIDUAL VALUE, IT MAY
MAKE MORE SENSE TO
WALK AWAY AT THE END.
doing that. If you like the vehicle and
decide you do want to buy it, make
sure that the stated value is a good price.
Sometimes, the carmaker or leasing
company offers a lower interest rate for
the loan and/or cheaper warranty/
maintenance program extension for
lease-end buyers.
WHEN THE LEASE ENDS
If you let your guard down, a satisfactory
leasing experience can quickly unravel —
expensively — at lease-end. Because you’re
giving up your wheels, the dealer knows
that you’ll likely need to get in to another
car. A dealer might try to strengthen
his hand by telling you that you will be
charged for excess wear and tear, then
offer to forgive those charges if you agree
to lease a new vehicle.
If you drove too many or too few
miles, you should investigate whether
it makes sense to buy the vehicle at the
purchase-option price and then either
keep the car or resell it. To decide, you
need an accurate estimate of what the
vehicle is now worth. (See Chapter 6,
starting on page 54, to find out how to
determine the value of a used car.)
If you drove too few miles and thus
paid too much depreciation, buying the
vehicle is a way of recovering that value.
If you drove too many miles, buying
the vehicle may leave you better off
than paying the over-mileage penalty.
The same is true if you have excess
wear and tear.
Finally, if you had a subvented lease
with an artificially high residual value,
there’s a good chance you’d be better
off walking away. The purchase price
may very well be higher than the vehi-
cle’s worth.
Here are some other ways to mini-
mize expenses:
Turn it in clean. Before you bring
the car back, make sure it looks as sharp
as possible: cleaned and vacuumed.
Have an independent garage fix
your vehicle, if necessary. You’re under
no obligation to have the dealer who
originally leased you the car do end-of-
lease repairs. At least one or two months
before your lease expires, have the vehi-
cle inspected. (Many leasing companies
provide this service free.) If repairs are
needed, collect bids from mechanics or
body shops you trust to determine the
least expensive way to make them.
Buy your own tires. If you need to
replace the tires, you can do it less expen-
sively with a bit of shopping rather than
just going through the dealer. Expect
to pay for all four. Most leases specify that
tires must match; mismatched tires are
also a safety concern.
Be aware of "loyalty" leases. Dealers
like nothing better than to persuade
existing lease customers to simply roll
into a new lease when their contract
expires. But you owe it to yourself to shop
as carefully for your new lease as you
did for the original one. If you decide to
lease anew from your original dealer,
make sure that any forgiven end-of-lease
charges aren’t simply “wrapped” into
the next lease you sign.
Get your security deposit back. Many
leasing companies require customers
to ante up the equivalent of one or two
months’ payment as a security deposit
when the initial lease is signed. If you
have a good credit history, ask the dealer
to waive that fee. If you do have to pay it,
though, don’t forget to ask for your deposit
back when you return the vehicle.
Early exit. If you must terminate early,
one option is to work through a service
such as LeaseTrader.com or Swapalease.
com. For a fee, they will help find someone
to take over your lease. Many lease com-
panies charge a transfer fee or even prohibit
lease transfer, so check first.
52 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
The Consumer Reports New Car
Price Report includes access to the
Build & Buy Service. Purchasers
save an average $2,791 off MSRP
using this program.*
Consumer Reports
Holds the Key to Your New Car
Find the right price for the car you select with our New Car Price Report
We operate on the principle that an educated buyer
gets the best deal. To that end, we provide you with
extensive and essential information in our New Car
Price Report.
by selecting vehicle equipment options that work
for you. Not only do we supply you with key pricing
information, but we also display it in an easy-to-read
presentation.
Simply put, our New Car Price Report equips you with
the information necessary to get a great price.
Consumer Reports New Car Price Report
We offer a New Car Price Report for nearly every new
car make and model. You can customize your Report
Each Consumer Reports New Car Report Includes:
• Detailed Pricing of All Factory-Installed Options
• Unpublished Dealer Incentives and Holdbacks
• Equipment Cost and Recommendations
• Current Safety Ratings
• Negotiating Tips and Traps
• Reliability Ratings
When it comes to pricing, we’ve got you covered:
• Dealer Invoice Price. It’s the dealer’s maximum cost
to acquire the car from the manufacturer.
• Incentives. These include dealer incentives, customer
cash incentives and finance incentives.
• Consumer Reports Bottom Line Price. This is the
place to start negotiating, taking into account regional
marketing fees, dealer incentives and holdbacks.
ConsunraReports*
New Car Price Service
Call Now For Your *14 Report.
*12 for each additional report ordered at the same time.
1 - 800 - 693-9561
Or go to www.ConsumerReports.org/cr/greatprice514
For service in Canada, go to: www.ConsumerReports.org/51canada
PE44CURVES1
*Between 04/01/13 and 04/30/13, the average estimated savings off MSRP presented to program users by partioipating based on user new vehiole configurations was $2,791.
54 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
55 WHAT'S YOUR CAR WORTH?
56 MAXIMIZING YOUR CAR'S CURB APPEAL
59 TRADING IN: LESS EFFORT & MONEY
59 SELLING IT YOURSELF: MORE EFFORT & MONEY
Disposing of your current vehicle can easily get overlooked
in the emotional swirl of getting new wheels. But be careful.
It s not that hard to get a great deal on your new car and
lose all the savings — and more — on your old one.
Typically, you’ll get the most money by
selling the car yourself. But trading it in
to a dealership is such a low-hassle option
that many people think it’s worthwhile
even if they don’t get a great deal. In
this chapter we’ll look at the advantages
and disadvantages of both options.
Whichever you choose, there are some
very important steps you should take
to maximize your return on investment,
including researching your car’s true
value and optimizing its appearance and
general curb appeal.
What's your car worth?
Whether you decide to sell or trade
in your current vehicle, it’s important
to know its current cash value. This
depends on a number of factors, includ-
ing the vehicle’s age, mileage, condition,
trim level, optional equipment, and
even the region in which it’s being sold.
For any used car there are two prices
to consider: retail and wholesale.
Retail price. This is the higher of the
two. The retail value is what you would
expect to pay for the car if you were
buying it at a dealership, and is likely the
most you should expect to get if you sell
it yourself This is considerably higher
than the price you’ll probably receive for
your trade-in so they can make more
profit when they resell it.
Wholesale price/trade-in value. This
is the car’s value to someone, like the
dealer, who will resell it to someone else
for a profit. The wholesale price is essen-
tially the same as the trade-in value.
Understandably, it is much lower than
the retail price.
If you decide to trade in your current
car, you should expect to get something
close to its wholesale value, after taking
all variables (options, mileage, condition,
and so on) into consideration.
If you sell the vehicle yourself you
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 55
LEFT: GETTY IM AGES/STOCKBYTE KEY AND MONEY: SHUTTERSTOCK/ CASPER1774 STUDIO
TRADING IN
should be able to get a price that’s higher
than wholesale but less than full retail.
RESEARCH YOUR CAR'S BOOK VALUE
The first thing you can do to get a han-
dle on your current vehicle’s realistic
value is to check its “book” value in vari-
ous printed and online used-car pricing
services. The most well-known are
Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com), Edmunds,
com, and NADAguides.com, from
the National Automobile Dealers Asso-
ciation. Another is VMR Auto Guides
(VMRintl.com).
These services all give estimates
of a used car’s value, including wholesale,
trade-in, private -party, and retail prices.
Their price estimates can differ — some-
times by quite a lot — because they gather
their market intelligence from different
sources. Each claims to be authoritative
in its own special way. Obtaining a price
works fairly similarly with all of them. You
enter your zip code, make/model/year,
trim line, options, mileage, condition,
and so forth.
Consumer Reports offers its own
guidance in the form of Consumer Reports
Used Car Price Reports, tailored to spe-
cific models (ConsumerReports.org/cars).
The reports, which cost $12 each, give
you the retail and wholesale/trade-in values
of any given car, and walk you through
the process of adjusting the value accord-
ing to options, mileage, and condition.
They are available through Consumer-
Reports.org. Unlimited reports are avail-
able to subscribers to CR’s Used Car
Buying kit. Along with the reports you
get CR’s exclusive reliability scores and
other useful information.
WHAT ARE OTHER SELLERS ASKING?
To get a better fix on your car’s worth in
your region, check out online used-car
selling sites, such as AutoTrader.com and
Cars.com; ads in local newspapers; and
classified-ad publications. Sometimes it’s
difficult to sort out the private sellers from
the hidden dealer ads, but these are a good
place to start. Look for vehicles that are
similar to yours in age, mileage, trim level.
options, and condition. Keep in mind that
the listed prices are the asking prices, not
what people are paying.
GET QUOTES FROM DEALERSHIPS
If you’re trading in and want to find an
easily obtainable rock-bottom price,
make your car presentable (see “Maxi-
mizing your car’s curb appeal,” below)
and take it to the used-car department of
several local dealerships. Ask what they
would give you in a straight-out sale.
This is what you can expect if you
trade your car in. There’s another advan-
tage to having this information: If you’re
being low-balled on your trade-in, you
can always simply refuse the offer and
take your vehicle to one of the places that
gave you a better quote.
If you sell your car privately, your
final price will likely be above what the
used-car departments offered but below
the highest asking prices you found.
Once you know the vehicle’s true value,
you can negotiate with confidence
instead of unknowingly accepting less.
Maximizing your car's
curb appeal
Making your vehicle look as good as pos-
sible can pay big dividends by improving
both its value and sales appeal. Depend-
ing on the vehicle’s condition, you can do
a lot or all of the work your-self Or you can
take it to a professional detailer, where
prices can start around $100 but can be
higher depending on the region, type
of vehicle, and the amount of work
to be done. You can sometimes find
discount coupons for these services
/ through a website such as Groupon.
As with other do-it-yourself
projects, the more elbow grease you
invest, the less you’ll need to pay
someone else to do it. Here are some
tips on how to get the best results. (Most
of the specialty products mentioned can
be found at auto-parts stores or in dealer-
ships that handle your car’s make.)
Spiff up the exterior. Give your vehicle
a thorough cleaning with car-wash
56 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
THAT SHINY MODEL AT THE DEALER
WILL COST A LOT MORE THAN ONE
SOLD IN A PRIVATE SALE.
Retail vs. Wholesale
To show you the difference between a car's retail and wholesale values, here are the
base prices of several high-volume, three-year-old models (with 36,000 miles) as they
were listed in recent Consumer Reports Used Car Price Reports.
MODEL
TRIM LEVEL
RETAIL PRICE
WHOLESALE PRICE I
Chevrolet Malibu
LS 4-cyl.
$17,100
$14,515
Dodge Grand Caravan
SE
$17,625
$15,350
Ford F-150
XLT Supercrew
V8 4WD
$31,350
$28,065
Honda Civic
EX sedan
$18,100
$15,435
Hyundai Elantra
GLS sedan
$15,075
$12,640
detergent and water. Alloy wheels should
be scrubbed thoroughly to remove road
film and grime. Use a stiff-bristled brush
and a good nonabrasive detergent or
wheel cleaner. If you use the latter, look
for one that says it is safe for all wheels,
as strong cleaners can eat away the
protective coating on some wheels. Once
everything is dry, apply a tire dressing to
give your rubber a new-car look.
Then inspect the paint surface and
assess any damage. Note scratches, stone
chips, and dents in the sheet metal. If
the paint is in good condition, a coat of
wax may be all it needs. If it’s the original
factory finish, it likely has a clear-coat
outer layer. If so, make sure the wax you
use is marked “safe for clear-coats.” Avoid
abrasive products, which are meant for
the removal of paint defects or to put
a shine on a dull finish.
On the other hand, if your paint
finish is a little dull, look for a product
that says it both polishes and protects.
This could help put a shine back in the
paint. You can fix small scratches and
chips yourself with touch-up paint,
available for a few dollars from your
dealership. Make sure you get an exact
color match or your repair job will look
worse than the original defect. Use the
application brush or a small, pointed
artist’s brush and fill in the scratch by
going over it in tiny dabs. Let the paint
dry for at least a day or two before
polishing the car.
Fine surface scratches in the paint
can be professionally buffed out at a body
shop or professional car-wash center.
This will greatly improve the car’s overall
appearance, but will cost between $100
and $200.
You can hand polish the car yourself
using an appropriate polish and cotton
cloths. If you know how to use an electric
rotary buffer, you can borrow, rent, or buy
one. If you don’t know what you’re doing,
though, don’t attempt it because you
can easily burn through the paint or leave
permanent swirl marks.
Remove small dents. Having a body
shop fix unsightly dents and dings can
be costly. If there is no paint damage,
you maybe able to use a service called
paintless dent repair, sometimes
franchised under names such as Dent
Doctor (dentdoctor.com) or DentPro
(dentpro.com). They use special tools
to massage out small dents from the
inside. Your local mechanic, body shop,
or car dealer can help you find a dent
fixer, or try using the Yellow Pages.
Typical costs range from about $50 to
$150 per dent.
Some do-it-yourself dent-removal
kits are on the market as well. They’re
advertised on TV infomercials and cost
about $20 to $30 (plus shipping and
handling). Essentially, they work by hot-
gluing a suction cup onto the dent and
then pulling the dent out with a special
tool. Consumer Reports tested two
kits, from Ding King (dingking.tv) and
DentOut (dentout.net). Our testers found
that they worked about equally well, but
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 57
TRADING IN
the results were not perfect. Generally, the
more experience you have, the better the
results. You have to be careful with the hot
glue and should avoid pulling the metal
out too far. The kits worked best on dents
about 4 inches across.
Fix window-glass defects. It s very
common for a windshield to pick up “star”
or “bulls eye” damage from a flying stone.
These dings can be filled by an auto-
glass repair service so that they are less
noticeable and don’t develop into larger
cracks. Figure on spending about $50
to $60 to treat a small glass ding. For
larger cracks, you’ll have to replace the
entire windshield. Check your auto-
insurance policy first. If you have glass
coverage, the replacement is free, except
for a possible deductible.
Clean the interior thoroughly. When
cleaning the car, look at the results
through the eye of a potential buyer.
Remove all of your personal clutter
from the glove box and other storage
spaces, and empty any ashtrays. Check
under the seats for lost toys, trash,
and wayward french fries. Then go to
work on the windows, dash, upholstery,
and carpets.
You can buy special cleaners for
upholstery, carpet, vinyl, and leather. For
hard plastic surfaces, use any general-
purpose cleaner. Use a good glass cleaner
to remove smudges and film from the
inside of all windows, paying special
attention to the windshield and rear
window. Very dirty carpeted floor mats
can be taken to a carpet-cleaning service
and cleaned for about $15 to $20 a pair.
Or just replace worn ones.
Getting rid of odors can be a chal-
lenge. First get all the interior fabrics
clean with pet spot cleaner or another
odor-fighting product. Don’t forget to
wipe down the overhead fabric, or head-
liner. Be sure to clean inside the trunk
and spare -tire well. To remove stale
odors from the ventilation ducts, try spray-
ing odor eliminator into the system’s
air intake, which is usually located at the
base of the windshield. Then run the
air conditioner full blast for at least
10 minutes.
Clean the engine compartment. It
can be a chore to clean the outside of
the engine and other under- hood com-
ponents, but a clean engine bay gives
the impression that the mechanicals have
been well maintained.
If the battery terminals are corroded or
caked with white powder, use an old tooth-
brush dipped in a mixture of water and
baking soda to clean off the residue. Then
coat the terminals with battery terminal
grease. (Always wear eye protection and
gloves when working around car batteries.)
You can certainly clean engine parts
with old rags and plain soap and water,
though you may have better luck with an
aerosol engine degreaser. Be careful not
to get electrical connections wet. Loosen
dirt and rust from iron and steel parts
with a soft-bristle brass wire brush and
soft abrasive cleaner.
Perform any necessary repairs. It
just makes good sense to fix or replace
broken or missing items. A missing wheel
cover or a broken mirror are signals to
buyers that your car has not been well
maintained and that other repairs will
probably be needed.
Major repairs are another matter.
Most buyers probably won’t want to make
a major one right after buying a vehicle.
Suppose, for instance, your air condition-
er doesn’t work, and you have an estimate
that it will cost $600 to repair. The air
conditioner isn’t necessary for the proper
operation of the vehicle, and if you’re
selling the car yourself some buyers might
not care as long as the price is adjusted
accordingly. But most potential buyers will
likely lose interest when they find out
about it.
The big question is whether you can
recoup the cost of the repair in your
selling price. Most of the time you can’t —
so be prepared to take a beating if you
have major repair problems. You’ll have
the same dilemma if you decide to go
the trade-in route with your car.
What's the best way to go?
TRADING IN
SELLING IT YOURSELF
^ It's an easy way to dispose
of your current car. Just turn
it over to the dealership.
^ You will get less money than
selling it yourself. At best,
you should expect to get the
vehicle's wholesale value.
4 You can use the trade-in
amount as the down payment
on the new car.
4 To get the best price, you will
probably have to haggle with an
experienced salesperson over
the trade-in value.
4 There's a tax advantage.
Most states charge sales tax
only on the difference between
the trade-in value and the
new-car price.
4 This reguires considerable effort,
including placing ads, taking phone
calls, dealing with strangers, and giving
test drives.
4 You could reap hundreds, maybe
thousands of dollars more.
4 You might not be able to sell your
current car until after you buy your new
car. If so, you won't be able to use the
money as a down payment. If the old car
isn't paid off, you could have an overlap
of car payments until you sell it.
4 You will need to negotiate with a buyer,
but most usually aren't as experienced at
haggling as a professional car salesperson.
4 You might have to pay more sales tax
on the new car, but if you get more money
for the old car by selling it yourself, you
could still come out ahead.
58 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
THE KIDS
AND DOG CAN
MAKE LASTING
MEMORIES...AND
MESSES. USE
A SPOT CLEANER
TO CLEAN UP
AFTER SPOT.
Trading in:
Less effort & money
Many buyers prefer to trade in their
current vehicle because it’s easy. All you
have to do is drive to a dealership, sign
a few papers, and drive away in a new
vehicle. You can apply the trade-in credit
to your down payment, reducing the
amount you need to finance.
There can be tax advantages, too.
Most states requires sales tax be paid only
on the difference between the price of
your trade-in and the new vehicle you are
buying, not the full price of the new car.
However, this tax benefit does not apply
if you sell your old vehicle yourself Check
with your states Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV) for details.
The downside of trading in your
vehicle is that you might leave behind hun-
dreds, if not thousands, of dollars for the
dealer. As mentioned before, the best you
can hope for when trading in is to get
the car’s wholesale value, which is far less
than what you would expect to get if you
sold it yourself In addition, even if you’ve
checked all the pricing sources and think
you know what your vehicle is worth,
you’ll likely have to haggle with the sales-
person to get the best deal.
Another problem you may encounter:
If a dealer already has six used silver
Chevrolet Impalas or Toyota Camrys
on the lot, for instance, he isn’t likely to
pay top dollar for yours. And if your
trade-in isn’t one the dealer wants on the
lot, it will probably be sent to auction
and discounted accordingly.
Just remember, no matter how tired
you may be of your current vehicle, a
dealership isn’t doing you a favor and just
take it off your hands. If the dealership
ends up buying your car, it’s because there’s
an inviting profit for them.
HOW TO GET THE MOST MONEY WHEN
TRADING IN YOUR CAR
There are several things you can
do to maximize the value of your
trade-in:
> The appearance of your vehicle is
an important consideration when the
used-car manager estimates its value.
See the previous section on improving
curb appeal.
> If your car needs repairs, it could help
to get an estimate to take with you. This
could provide a little bargaining power
when the dealer’s estimator starts deduct-
ing repair costs from the figure offered
to you.
> Try to sell your car to a used-car
dealer. They’re always looking for clean,
low-mileage vehicles for their lot. And
if yours is a popular model, you just
might be able to get more than the whole-
sale price for it.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN NEGOTIATING
You’ll get the best deal by keeping the
purchase and trade-in negotiations
separate. If you allow the salesperson to
mix the two, it gives them too much
opportunity to manipulate the deals. It
will end up that a good price in one area
will likely be cancelled out by a poor
price in the other.
We suggest that you nail down the
price of the car you want to purchase
first, then discuss your trade-in allow-
ance. Since dealers make good money
reselling your trade-in, there is some
incentive or the dealer to be competitive
with a trade-in offer.
Keep your eye on the bottom line.
What’s important is the net amount you
have to pay. Be sure to read and under-
stand any sales contract before you sign
it. If you have a problem with any terms or
conditions, ask questions. After you sign,
you’ll have little recourse.
Selling it yourself:
More effort & money
As we mentioned, selling your cur rent
vehicle on your own will get you a higher
price than trading it in. You can always
expect to get more than the wholesale price,
and unless the vehicle is in big demand,
buyers should expect to pay less than the
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 59
TRADING IN
CLIP & SAVE WORKSHEET
BILL OF SALE
Date:
RECEIVED FROM:
Seller's name
Street address
City State ZIP
Phone
Co-owner's name (if any)
In consideration of $ , receipt of which is hereby acknowledged,
DO HEREBY TRANSFER TO:
Purchaser's name
Street address
City State ZIP
Phone
Co-owner's name (if any)
THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED MOTOR VEHICLE:
Year Make Model
Body style (e.g., 4-dr. sedan) No. of cylinders
Color Odometer reading
Vehicle ID No. (VIN)
Certificate of Title No.
Signature of seller Signature of buyer
60 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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retail price. But selling your car yourself
takes a lot more work than just driving
to the dealership for a trade-in. You’ll
have to go through the hassle of adver-
tising, taking phone calls, and showing
the car.
SET A COMPETITIVE PRICE
By following the advice under “What’s
your car worth?” on page 55, you should
have a good idea of what the retail and
local asking prices are for your vehicle.
If you checked to see what a local
dealer would offer on a straight-up sale,
you should have plenty of information
to price your car reasonably. Remember,
it’s always smart to price your vehicle
just a little bit higher than what you are
willing to take for it. That way, the buyer
can negotiate for a slightly lower price
and feel good about it. Don’t be greedy,
though. You could scare off potential
buyers who don’t think they have a chance
to negotiate.
ADVERTISE EFFECTIVELY
Some advertising methods are more
effective than others, and cost can vary
from free to quite expensive. Don’t feel
limited by the suggestions you see here.
Use your imagination and go with what
you think will work.
> Word of mouth is very effective. Tell
your friends, relatives, colleagues, and
anyone else you know that you have a car
for sale. If your network of contacts is big
enough, you might be surprised at how
much interest you generate in your vehicle
via Facebook or Twitter. And it’s free.
> Online classified ads may be the easi-
est and most effective way to sell you
car. Cars.com offers several ad packages,
ranging from $0 to $49 depending on
what’s included. Free ads run for 30 days
with five photos of your car that you
upload with the ad. $49 buys 150 days,
15 photos, and a Carfax report. Another
service, which is totally free, is Car-
Gurus.com, and includes six pics of your
own car. AutoTrader, which is partnered
with MSN Autos, offers packages
ranging from $25 to $100. All offer free
renewals and a money-back guarantee
and step up from four weeks and 3 pics
to a package of 18 pics, no time limit, and
a preferential “spotlight” ad running for
two weeks.
> Daily newspaper ads can work but
aren’t as effective as they used to be. Some
newspapers will give you both a print
and online ad for one price. Rates can
run about $30 to $40 for a week or two,
although some major metropolitan papers
charge more.
> Ads in weekly shoppers and free news-
papers can work, but they may have a lot
of competition.
> There’s always the traditional way:
Just put a “For Sale” sign in the window
of your vehicle with your phone number
and a few other details, such as model
year and mileage.
SHOWING YOUR CAR
Once you’ve placed your ads, make sure
you keep your car’s specifications, mile-
age, and other particulars near your phone.
Interested callers will want to come to
see the vehicle, so have your schedule
ready so you can set a day and time. That
said, don’t be surprised if some callers
never show up.
When you do show the car, answer
all questions honestly. Be prepared to pro-
vide service receipts and to accompany
the buyer on a test drive and to an inde-
pendent mechanic.
THE PREPURCHASE INSPECTION
Just about any savvy buyer will want to
have your car inspected by a mechanic
before the sale takes place. If the buyer is
a friend or relative, there should be little
risk in allowing them to take the car for
an inspection. If the potential buyer is
a total stranger, however, you’ll probably
want to drive the car to the shop yourself
It shouldn’t take more than an hour.
HAVE THE PROPER PAPERWORK
The paperwork requirements for selling
a car vary from state to state. In some
states, transferring ownership of a vehicle
to another person is a simple process of
entering the odometer reading, sale price,
and your signature on the back of the
certificate of title. In other states, you
must fill out official title-transfer forms.
Contact your state’s DM V to see what
you should do.
If there’s an outstanding loan on your
car, you and the buyer will have to go
to your lender and make sure the lender
gets its money before you get what’s left.
And a bill of sale is often required by
the buyer for sales-tax purposes. Photo-
copy the one on page 60 or buy a form at
any office supply store, and keep of copy
of the final document for your records.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 61
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63 READY FOR ACTION?
63 THE EASY WAY OUT
64 INTERNET BUYING SERVICES
65 FACE-TO-FACE NEGOTIATIONS
66 NEGOTIATE EFFECTIVELY
68 THE FINANCE OFFICE
The worst part of buying a car is the dealer experience. It’s so bad that in 2009,
then-Hyundai CEO John Krafcik said, . .Americans would rather go to the
dentist than visit a car dealer.”
It is easy to understand why. Salespeople have well-rehearsed routines for
persuading a car buyer, and they practice them every day. Most people subject
themselves to the discomfort of car buying once a decade. It becomes comical:
like pitting an amateur against a team of professionals.
Still, you don’t have to be a professional
negotiator to get a great deal. You simply
have to know what to expect and how to
play the game. On the following pages
we’ll supply strategies you can easily use
to stay ahead of the curve.
Ready for action?
At this point of the game you’ve already
decided the car you want, the trim lines
and options that fit your needs, and
the color(s) you can live with. You know
the approximate price and, if you are
financing, have gotten pre-approved
for a loan. You’ve also checked what
insurance will cost. Maybe you’ve taken
your test drives. In short, you’ve done
your homework.
Now is the time — unless you’ve al-
ready done it — to virtually “build” the
car you want. Visit the automaker’s web
site and use the tools to find out the retail
price for the car and options that you want.
An added benefit: you might discover
some additional discounts, rebates, and
other incentives. Those are definitely
worth knowing about.
Many automaker sites will help you
locate a local dealer that supposedly
has that car on hand. The reality is that
dealers work on a system of “allocations,”
filling their lots with cars configured the
way they think will sell the best in their
area, as well as slow sellers the automaker
may foist on them.
The result is that the dealer may not
have a precise match for what you had
in mind or configured on the automak-
er’s web site. With any luck you’ll find
some pretty close matches, especially
with big selling cars and those that have
been on the market for more than a
year. If you are still striking out, consid-
er expanding your search area, or see
if you can order one from the factory
to your exact specs.
The easy way out:
Internet, email, phone
Save your time — and sanity — and do
all of your car shopping from home.
Go online and find all of that brand’s
franchised dealers within your area.
Search each dealer’s new-car inventory
to find out what they have on hand
as well as ones that have yet to arrive.
This will give you an idea of what’s
readily available.
Sometimes you’ll see on the dealer
site a “special Internet price.” Don’t get
fooled by that. Any price they offer —
whether online or in print — should be
no higher than what they’d give you if
you walked in the door. But at least it
gives you an idea of the scale of discounts
freely offered.
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CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 63
NEGOTIATING
You can go two ways here: Build a car
online and submit it to the dealer/dealers,
or just send them an email that specifies
what you’re looking for. “I need an LXE
with the sports package, driver conve-
nience package and a navigation system,
in either black or gray but not white. It
looks from your inventory that you have
three on your lot. Is that the case?” Be
clear about how you want to interact —
phone or email.
If the reply is positive, ask for their
best price. “I’m ready to buy right now
but I’m shopping around and I want your
best out-the-door price on that car.”
In your electronic dealings with the
dealership, set the same ground rules you
would if you were there in person. You
are looking for their best “out the door”
price, including any add-on fees such as
“documentation,” aka “conveyance,”
that can’t be avoided.
Make dealers compete. Do this with
several dealers, asking for their lowest
out-the-door price. With each one,
have them email (or fax) you a copy of
the car’s window sticker and the vehicle
invoice. The window sticker will
spell out the car’s features in detail, and
what options packages it has. The vehi-
cle invoice will show you the dealer
and retail costs for the car and options,
and possibly incentive and holdback
information.
One of the games dealers play is that
the car descriptions on their website are
very often seemingly designed to con-
fuse. Dozens of normal features that
every car has, such as antilock brakes
and power windows, maybe listed under
“options,” and options packages are
often not identified as such. The distinc-
tions are important, and the window
sticker spells them out.
Get in touch. Talk to the sales
department — via phone or email — of
the dealer(s) that quoted the best price,
and establish that the car they gave you
the quote on is actually there. Not just
on order, and not in transit, but actually
on the lot. It sometimes happens that
dealers advertise a car they don’t actually
have, or continue advertising a car they’ve
already sold.
Don't rush out. Resist any invitation
to “come down and talk about the car
you’re looking for,” until you’re good
and ready. You already know what you’re
looking for. It’s true that dealers can and
do swap with or otherwise obtain a car
from other dealers to fill a customer’s
needs. So just because they don’t have it
doesn’t mean they can’t get it. But you don’t
have to drive to a dealer to talk about a
car they don’t have.
Take those prices and re-contact the
dealer you would most like to work with.
Explain that you’ve been in contact with
several other dealers, have written quotes
in hand, and will buy the car if you can
come to terms. Tell them that if they have
the actual car — not just a promise of a
car — you’d be willing to make a deposit.
But don’t get talked into making a
deposit as a condition for them to just to
start looking. You give a deposit when
they have found the car and can tell you
its VIN (vehicle identification number),
color, final price, and exactly when it
will arrive.
One reason this method works,
especially if the car is there already, is
that the salesperson and dealership has
invested little time in making the sale.
Before you hand over your credit-card
number, have the dealership e-mail or
fax you the purchase order so you can
make sure everything is correct.
Internet car-buying
services
Many consumers use car-buying web-
sites to make their purchases. In general,
car-buying websites allow you to specify
the model, trim level, and options you’re
interested in and then get price quotes
from dealerships in your area. Each of
those services has contracted with a net-
work of dealerships and pre -negotiated
a small markup, and hence a decent price,
for customers it sends to them.
64 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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Typically, when you ask for a price
quote online, your information is for-
warded to partner dealerships close
to your ZIP code. You’ll either get a list
of quotes sent to you or a series of emails
from the dealerships quoting what they
hope is a come -hither price.
The price quotes are free, with no
strings attached. So it’s an easy way to
get a sense of what the price might be
for the vehicle configuration you want.
You may find that just-released new
models might not be discounted much
at all. Unless you MUST be the first
on the block, wait a few months to buy.
Nothing stays hot forever.
There are some obvious advantages
to using these sites. But don’t overlook
the not-so-obvious limitations:
> The service you choose may have only
a small number of dealerships, or none at
all, under contract in your area.
>Those dealers might not have the ability
or willingness to obtain the car you’re
looking for quickly.
Should you buy last
year's leftover?
A common way to get a lower price
on a new car is to wait until the next
model-year vehicles are coming out
and buy a "leftover" from the previous
model year. For example, you could
buy a 2014 model even though the 2015
is now on sale.
A car dealer is often more willing
to give you a generous discount
on a leftover vehicle to get it off of the
lot. He or she might offer to sell you a
vehicle loaded with features that would
be out of your price range on a newer
version. In addition, previous-model-
year vehicles often carry factory sales
incentives that lower the price even
further. All of this can add up to an
attractive alternative. But there are
other considerations.
One downside: You may find a very
limited selection-cars with either too few
or too many options, or the wrong color.
Another concern is that as soon as
you buy a leftover, it has accumulated
a year's worth of depreciation, almost
regardless of the miles on the odometer.
If you want to trade in the vehicle two
years from now, it will be appraised as
a three-year-old. That's why a leftover
should be priced lower than a new ver-
sion and have more room for negotiation
in the price.
A leftover may not be such a good
deal if you plan to sell or trade in the car
after a couple of years. But if you plan
to drive it for five years or more, or until
it wears out, you can save guite a bit
of money.
> There’s no guarantee that they’ll give
you the best possible price on your
trade-in, if you have one.
We offer one such service: Consumer
Reports Build & Buy (ConsumerReports.
org/buildandbuy). You’ll to get competi-
tive quotes, as well as a list of all dealer
incentives and customer rebates currently
available in your area. It’s available to
ConsumerReports.org, Consumer Reports,
and ShopSmart subscribers as well as
CR’s New Car Price Report buyers. Other
car-buying sites you might try include
Autobytel.com and CarsDirect.com.
Face-to-face negotiations
While a lot of people say they just hate the
process of negotiating with a car dealer,
some folks apparently relish it, or believe
it’s the best way to be sure they’re getting
what they want. They’re not wrong. One
of the benefits of face-to-face transactions
is reaping the benefit of the salesman’s
knowledge, which is often considerable,
and advice, which may be very sound.
There’s more to choosing a car than
just finding the lowest possible price.
While you can’t expect a salesman to
send you to the rival across the street,
good salespeople know a heck of a lot
about the cars they’re selling and what set
of needs they suit. And they’ll try very
hard to find the right one for you. If
you’re still in shopping mode, rather than
buy-it-now mode, it would be a mistake
to dismiss what they have to say out
ofhand.
In any case, whether you do your
price negotiation with email, by using an
intermediary buying service, or going
mano a mano with a salesman and,
inevitably, his boss, you’re going to wind
up at a dealership to sign the papers and
get the keys.
Car dealerships maybe unique among
retail venues in how much time they
expect customers to wait for something
to happen. Whether it’s crowded with
customers or you find yourself the only
one in the store, it’s routine to be asked
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMERREPORTS© NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 65
NEGOTIATING
to wait: For the salesman. For your
price negotiations to be ferried back and
forth to the “sales manager.” For your
turn with the business manager to ink
the deal. For the forms to be filled out
once you are sitting there. For the car
to be located, filled with fuel, and
brought around.
Bring your driver’s license, credit
card, and proof of insurance to hold up
your end of the process. A calculator or
smartphone helps you crunch your own
numbers. And don’t forget your notes
about the car you’re intending to buy,
and any written quotes you’ve obtained.
Negotiate effectively
When you start your bargaining, work
from your positions of strength:
> Your opening bid, based on what the
dealer paid for the vehicle or what
you’ve established is a fair price.
> Competing bids from other local
dealerships or car-buying websites.
The salesperson will probably begin
the discussion about price by focusing on
the vehicle’s MSRP or on your monthly
payment. Don’t take that detour.
If the salesperson starts with price,
make sure you negotiate from the
bottom-most price and work up, not
down from the MSRP.
By starting with monthly payment
as the focus, the salesperson can lump
the whole process together, including the
price for the new vehicle, the trade-in,
and financing, if appropriate. This gives
him or her too much latitude to sow
confusion, robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Your countermove: Insist on nego-
tiating one thing at a time. Your first pri-
ority is to settle on the lowest price you
can get on the new vehicle. Only after
you’ve locked that in should you begin
to discuss a trade-in or financing, if
necessary.
SET THE GROUND RULES
Rather than get drawn into a discussion
on the salesperson’s terms, let him or
her know:
> You have carefully researched the
vehicle you want and have already taken
a test drive.
> You know exactly which trim level and
options you want, have researched the
price for that configuration, and know
approximately what the dealership
paid for it.
> You have already calculated what you
are prepared to pay. Reassure him or her
that your offer includes a fair profit.
> If he or she can meet your target price
you’ll be ready to buy immediately; if not,
you intend to visit other dealerships.
DOWN TO BRASS TACKS
Start the price negotiations by showing
the salesperson your pre-calculated low
offer. That could be the invoice price,
minus incentives, plus, say, $100. If the
salesperson asks you how you arrived at
that figure, explain how you calculated it.
What typically happens next is a
tedious back and forth while the sales-
person submits your bids to the sales
manager and returns with counteroffers.
Be prepared for the counter-offer or
offers to be far higher than your target
price. And be prepared to wait several
minutes at each step.
One gambit you can use is to mention
that you have competitive bids in hand
from other dealers, without disclosing
what they are. Explain that you are
looking for the lowest markup over your
bottom price.
As an alternative, ask if they’re willing
to beat a price you got from a legitimate
buying service. If so, tell them what it is.
Try not to be argumentative. Keep
working off your lower figure, raising it
a little at a time, rather than taking
the dealer’s counter-offer and trying to
hammer that down.
From the outset, you want to stay on
course and prevent the negotiation from
veering off track. If the salesperson asks
about a trade-in, for instance, insist on
locking down the new-car price first.
As to financing, explain that you are
preapproved for a loan and are prepared to
pay in cash, but that you may be willing
to consider financing through the dealer-
ship provided the offer is competitive. But
make it known that coming to terms on
the purchase price is the primary focus.
BEFORE CHASING
EVERY LAST PENNY,
DECIDE IF IT'S
WORTH SPENDING
A BIT MORE FOR A
CAR THAT YOU'LL
BE HAPPIER DRIVING
FOR A FEW YEARS.
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Reassure him or her that if you can
both agree to terms you know to be fair,
he or she can look forward to making
a quick sale. If not, you’ll move on.
You may be shunted to a more
senior sales associate or manager. If
that happens, simply repeat the same
ground rules to that person. But no mat-
ter who ends up sitting across the desk
from you, your clear explanation of
what you’re looking for will help coun-
teract the common diversionary tactics
you may come across.
HOLD YOUR GROUND
A salesperson’s initial reaction might
be dismissive. They will state flatly
that there is no way the sales manager
will let him sell you the vehicle at your
price. He may even try to tell you
that your numbers are wrong. If so,
show him a printout of your sources
of information.
Even if he can’t find fault with your
numbers, he may counter your bid with
a barrage of objections, pleas, and ploys
to get you to raise your offer. Since the
manager wields the real power to approve
deals, you can expect this. But make it
clear that you don’t have a lot of time to
sit around and wait. You also have some
wiggle room. After all, the target price
you calculated allowed for a reasonable
dealer profit.
While you can allow your target price
to inch up in small increments, don’t go
above the lowest competing bid you’ve
gathered. You don’t want to give the
impression that you’re simply respond-
ing to pressure. It might help to state a
rationale for your flexibility on price. For
example, you could say that you value
the fact his dealership is conveniently
close or that you like the color of this car.
Remind the salesperson that you’re
ready to complete the purchase on the
spot if he can meet your price. Otherwise,
you’ll have to “think it over.”
If the negotiations are going nowhere,
this is the time to excuse yourself and
get up to leave.
Often, a salesperson will try to stop you
by saying he thinks he or she can “work
something out to make you happy.” But, if
they simply let you go, then the last price
offered may be close to the dealer’s limit.
If the negotiation has stalled at a
higher figure than the competitive prices
you’ve gathered elsewhere, say so. Let
the salesperson know he or she is not
even in the ballpark. This could motivate
another visit to the sales manager for
a lower price.
KNOW WHEN TO WALK
If your discussion gets stuck, and the
dealer’s offer is nowhere close to what
you can accept, it might be time to
throw in the towel. If you encounter
these tactics, head on to another dealer:
> The salesperson may try to convince
you that the rebate (or low-cost financ-
ing) is available only to customers who
pay the sticker price. This is not true.
Rebates come directly from the manufac-
turer regardless of the price you agree
to at the dealership. Don’t let the sales-
person use rebates as a substitute for the
discount you’ve haggled for.
> The salesperson suggests that you come
back if another dealership offers you
a better price, which the salesperson will
then beat. Let him or her know that you
plan to complete the purchase soon, aren’t
interested in shuttling back and forth
between dealers, and that once you leave
the showroom you are done.
If the salesperson makes a “final,
take-it-or-leave-it offer,” accept if it satis-
fies two conditions: (1) the price meets
your target price; and (2) it is a decent
price for the only vehicle you have found
that matches the configuration that
you want.
Otherwise, you needn’t panic. If the
offer is good today, it should be good
tomorrow.
KNOW WHEN TO SAY "YES"
If you are offered a price that’s in your
target range, you should probably accept
it, and move on to trade-in and financing
arrangements.
You might consider thanking them,
taking their offer in writing, and trying
to best it at another dealer. But if the price
really does leave minimal profit for the
dealer, it’s not likely to go that much lower
somewhere else.
Before you chase the last penny of
savings, consider your own convenience.
Do you feel more comfortable work-
ing with one dealership over another?
Might it be worth your while to pay
a little more to end up with a car you’ll
be happier driving? Provided you’re
satisfied that the more expensive deal is
still a fair one, there’s no harm in paying
a little extra.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 67
NEGOTIATING
TIME TO TALK TRADE-IN
As we’ve said, only after you agree on
a price for the new car should you turn
your attention to the trade-in. Chapter 6
covers how to assess the value of your
current car. If you shopped it around to
other dealerships, you also know what
you can easily get for it. Armed with this
information, there’s no reason a dealer-
ship shouldn’t give you at least its whole-
sale value as a trade-in allowance.
Tell the salesperson that you simply
want what you know it’s worth. Provide
the figures to back this up, along with
printouts from several pricing sources.
This defuses any attempt to pull out a
used-car pricing book so the salesperson
can “prove” that your figures are too high.
To lowball you on the trade-in, the
salesperson may again try to stall the
negotiations and wear you down with
frequent visits to the sales manager. Min-
imize this by indicating up front that
the new-car deal isn’t final unless you get
a good allowance on your trade-in.
Remember, if the trade-in discus-
sions become too burdensome, but you’re
not willing to pull out of the new-car
deal, you can always sell the car else-
where. However, if you’re dependent on
the trade-in to make the down payment,
you’ll have to sell your car before you can
sign the contract for the new one.
The finance office
Once you’ve settled on the vehicle’s price
with the salesperson, you will be passed
along to the dealership’s Finance and
Insurance manager, sometimes called
the “F&I representative.” He or she is the
one who determines what credit terms
you will be offered and draws up the loan
or lease contract.
LOANS AND LEASES.
We went into detail about the mechanics
of loans in Chapter 4 and leases in Chap-
ter 5. Everyone knows what a car loan is.
Leases are a bit more complicated. But
as we explained earlier, you can think
about leasing as just another way to
finance a car.
For example, if you should lease a
car for three years and then decide to buy
it, the total cost may often be pretty much
the same after six years as if you had
taken out a six-year loan.
Comparing loan and lease offers head-
to-head is notoriously difficult, however.
You will probably find that an automak-
er’s offer on financing has a different
interest rate than the loan deal they are
offering on the same car.
Just don’t fall over yourself if you hear
an attractive financing offer and splurge
on something you don’t need, like an
extra-loaded version of the car you had
decided on or an extra-cost warranty.
It’s important to understand that the
F&I manager is also another salesperson.
Besides insurance and loan/lease deals,
his or her wares also include such
CLIP & SAVE WORKSHEET
Low-interest rate financing vs. rebate
How to use this worksheet
Subtract the trade-in value and
rebate from the negotiated
vehicle price to get the principal,
Plug in the number of months
you expect the loan term to be.
Go to ConsumerReports.org,
choose the Cars section, and
then go to Car Buying Advice to
find our car-buying calculators
to figure the monthly payments
for both cases.
Multiply each monthly payment
by the number of payments to
get the total cost of the loan
under the two scenarios. The
lower of the two total-cost
figures is the best deal.
EXAMPLE
% DEALER FINANCING =
%
12%
CASH REBATE
Negotiated vehicle price
$
$25,000
Subtract: Trade-in value 1
-
-$4,500
f
Rebate
i
-
-$1,500
Principal (amount financed)
=
=$19,000
[
Loan term (months)
1
Interest rate (APR) 1
Monthly payment
$
$
TOTAL COST OF LOAN =
$
$
$
68 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
YOU CAN ALWAYS ASK FOR AN
EXTRA DISCOUNT TO OFFSET AN
EXCESSIVELY HIGH CONVEYANCE FEE.
extra- cost items as extended warranties
and other intangibles. Here are some to
look out for:
EXTENDED WARRANTIES
The F&I representative will almost surely
try to sell you an extended warranty or
service plan. Most of the time, these plans
are a losing bet. A recent CR survey found
that two-thirds of respondents spent
a lot more for the warranty than they got
back in repair reimbursements.
Since most new cars come with com-
prehensive warranties it’ll be a long time
before you’ll need the warranty exten-
sion. If you decide later on that you want
one you can consider buying it years
from now. Besides automakers, several
independent warranty companies, such
as WarrantyOne and WarrantyDirect,
sell these policies.
INSURANCE
Another pitch you might hear from the
F&I representative is for various kinds
of insurance besides what we think of as
auto insurance. Here’s a rundown:
GAP insurance. Guaranteed Asset
Protection is essential for new leased
vehicles. If the car is stolen or totaled
GAP pays off the lease. Many lease
contracts already include it. Others may
charge you for it as part of the down
payment. It’s probably cheaper to buy
GAP as part of your car-insurance policy
than a la carte from a car dealer.
Gredit life insurance. It pays off your
vehicle loan if you die before your car
payments end. Some dealers may tell
customers with poor credit histories that
credit life insurance is mandatory. It isn’t.
Gredit disability insurance. While
this is important coverage for anyone
whose dependents rely on his or her earn-
ings to make loan payments, you likely
have better options. You may already
have disability coverage through your
employer; if not, you can likely purchase
it less expensively elsewhere.
OTHER EXTRAS YOU CAN SKIP
Rustproofing and undercoating. Don’t
bother. Today’s vehicles are manufac-
tured with good corrosion protection.
Fabric protection. This is the most
expensive Scotchgard your upholstery
will ever see. Instead, spend a few bucks
on a can of fabric protector and spray
it on by yourself
Paint seaiant. The dealer may tell
you that an application of this clear coating
will protect your car’s surface for years,
but it’s little more than a vastly overpriced
insurance policy on your paint finish.
VIN (vehicie identification number)
etching. This acid-etches the VIN into
the window glass to deter theft. Some-
times a VIN-etching charge of $100
or more is pre-printed on the purchase
agreement. Just cross it out. It’s not
mandatory. If you do want VIN etching
you can get it cheaper elsewhere or get
a do-it-yourself kit for $25 or less.
CHECK THE NUMBERS
If a sales incentive is available, some-
times you have to choose between
a low-interest financing rate and a cash
rebate. The rebate can be applied to
your down payment and thus reduce
your loan principal. Run the numbers
both ways to see which option gives
you the most benefit.
Whether you’re buying or leasing,
you must carefully check all the num-
bers on the agreement. Use the calcu-
lator on your mobile phone or bring
one with you (if necessary, borrow one
from the salesperson) to total them up
on the spot.
Make sure the contract shows the
agreed upon purchase price or, if leasing,
the capitalized cost, and that your down
payment, trade-in allowance, and any
rebates have been subtracted from that
amount. If you are financing the vehicle
through the dealer, make sure the correct
interest rate (or “money factor” if you are
leasing) was used when calculating your
monthly payment.
If you’ve discovered any problems
that need to be dealt with later, after you
take possession, it’s important to secure
a “We Owe You” document that spells
them out. That might cover a missing jack
or floor mats, or follow-up work to repair
a scratch in the paint.
As you review the agreement, you’ll
likely encounter various additional
charges. In addition to legitimate ones,
such as the destination charge, there
may be others that are questionable or
entirely unnecessary.
Remember, unless you pay fees
and taxes up front, they’re added to the
amount financed, and you will pay
interest on them.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 69
Know the coverage you need
70 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
71 KEY ELEMENTS
72 10 WAYS TO SAVE ON INSURANCE
75 INSURANCE COMPANY RATINGS
Automobile insurance is one of the costliest purchases that
consumers hope to never use. While it s always important
to buy the right coverage, it costs a lot more to insure a
brand-new car than a five-, seven-, or nine-year-old model
you are replacing. In this chapter we’ll explain the basic
elements of a car-insurance policy, provide tips for finding
discounts, and Ratings that rank the best companies.
Key elements of auto
insurance coverage
Auto insurance is really several
different insurance policies rolled into
one. While insurance is mandatory
for everyone who drives a car, the
requirements vary from state to state.
Some coverage is required at all
times, but others are voluntary. Here
are the basics, plus some tips on how
to keep your premiums in line without
taking on unnecessary risks.
BODILY INJURY LIABILITY
What it is: If you are held liable for a
crash, this insurance pays for the inju-
ries or death of other people involved
in the crash.
How much to buy: At the minimum.
opt for the standard 100/300/100 cover-
age. This means you get coverage up to
$100,000 per person for bodily injury, in-
cluding death, that you cause to others;
$300,000 in bodily injury per accident;
and $100,000 in property damage.
But remember, this is based on
averages. If you have a high net worth,
boost your bodily injury coverage to
250/500 to make sure you have cover-
age in case of a personal lawsuit. Since
injuries from some accidents cost
much more than “average,” you should
never let state minimums guide your
coverage limits.
COLLISION/COMPREHENSIVE
What it is: Collision covers damage to
your car that’s not covered by another
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 71
LEFT: SHUTTERSTOCK/TLEGEND
CHOOSING INSURANCE
driver’s policy. Comprehensive covers
theft as well as damage from fire,
flood, falling trees, hail, hurricane,
or animal strikes.
How much to buy: Coverage is usually
limited to the book value of your car —
which is defined by your insurance com-
pany. Deductibles can run from zero
to $1,000. We recommend that you opt
for a higher deductible to reduce your
premiums. But try to set at least the equiv-
alent of the deductible aside in a savings
account.
Consider dropping collision and/or
comprehensive coverage when the annual
premium equals or exceeds 10 percent
of your car’s cash value.
UNINSURED/UNDERINSURED MOTORIST
What it is: UM/UIM, as it’s known
in insurance circles, stands in for the
other guy’s missing or insufficient
liability coverage. In fact, one out of
every eight drivers may be uninsured,
according to the Insurance Research
Council.
This not only covers if the other
driver is at fault, but also hit-and-
run incidents. This is key — your own
liability insurance might not pay for
injuries to you and your passengers
if you’re not at fault.
Also, without UM/UIM, you’ll
have to either pay for your losses or sue
the other driver for damages in court,
a headache that may reap little reward
if the defendant has few assets. That’s
a pretty good bet since most people who
have no insurance “go naked,” as the
industry expression has it, because they
can’t afford it. So they likely have little
money to pay a judgment in your favor.
One or both coverages are manda-
tory in 20 states, including Illinois, New
Jersey, and New York. But even if your
state doesn’t require it, this is a wise buy.
Nationwide, about one in seven motor-
ists is uninsured, but in some states
(Oklahoma, Florida, and Mississippi)
it’s more than one in four.
How much to buy: Purchase the
same limits here as those on your own
liability coverage.
MEDICAL PAYMENTS OR PERSONAL
INJURY PROTECTION
What it is: Medpay and PIP, as they’re
known, pay, within the specified limits,
the medical, hospital, and funeral
expenses of the insured person, people
in the insured vehicle, and pedestrians
struck by the insured vehicle. PIP is
the basic coverage implemented in
no-fault automobile insurance states.
These states generally limit the cir-
cumstances under which victims can
sue for injuries, and cover the bodily
injury for the insured and the passen-
gers of the car.
Twelve no-fault accident states
require one or the other of this coverage.
In other states, this coverage is optional.
How much to buy: Talk with your
insurance agent to determine the right
amount for you.
10 ways to save
on insurance
1) DO AN ANNUAL RATE CHECK
If you’ve been with the same insurer
a long time, it might be tough to beat its
rates, especially if you haven’t had any
claims lately. In fact, a 2014 survey by
the Consumer Reports National Research
Center found that only 10 percent of
19,000 ConsumerReports.org subscrib-
ers who compared premiums found
Is there a black box in
your future?
Insurers have long depended on crude predictors of risk to figure out what to charge
individual consumers. Technology now allows more fine-tuning, but not without
some controversy.
Progressive Insurance offers customers an electronic "Snapshot” device, which for six
months tracks the hours driven and how often you brake suddenly. Progressive advertises
savings of "up to 30 percent,” but it told us the average savings are more like 10 to
15 percent. If you drive badly, your premiums could go up.
Some worry that the information could be used against
them in a legal case, and Progressive told Consumer
Reports that the information could be subpoenaed.
State Farm's "Drive Safe & Save” discount, available in all
50 states, similarly tracks your acceleration and braking,
left and right turns, driving times of day, and speeds over
80 miles per hour.
72 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
RIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK/SKYLINES
RIGHT: SHUTTERSTOCK/WILLIAM PERUGINI
that they would save money by switch-
ing insurers.
It’s easy to compare multiple insur-
ers online, as sites such as Answer Finan-
cial, Insure.com, Insweb.com, and
NetQuote. You usually won’t get an im-
mediate quote online, but you will get
email messages from agents looking
for your business. Consider forming
a relationship with an independent agent,
who will check rates for you at a range
of carriers.
2) PICK A TOP-RATED INSURER
Saving money isn’t simply a matter
of finding the lowest premium. Some
insurers have lower premiums, but
end up costing you more in the end by
lowballing loss estimates, hassling the
repair shop to cut corners, and forcing
you to pay extra for original- equipment
replacement parts. They might even
unfairly jack up your premiums after
an accident.
We surveyed 64,872 Consumer-
Reports.org subscribers who filed
a claim between 2011 and 2014. Eighty-
eight percent of them were highly satis-
fied with the handling of their claims.
Among the highest-rated groups were
USAA, Arnica, and NJM, with overall
satisfaction scores of 90 or higher.
The Ratings on page 75 lists top-
rated insurers from our latest consumer
survey.
3) SET THE RIGHT DEDUCTIBLE
A higher deductible reduces your
premium because you pay more out
of pocket if you have a claim. Hiking
your deductible from $200 to $500
can cut your premium on collision by
15 to 30 percent. Go to $1,000 and you
could save 40 percent. If you have a
good driving record and haven’t had an
at-fault accident in years, if ever, opting
for a higher deductible on collision
might be a good bet. Just make sure you
can afford to pay that cost if your luck
runs out.
4) REVIEW ALL OF YOUR COVERAGE
Your liability coverage pays for bodily
injury and property damage that you
cause in accidents. Don’t get caught
short by reducing your liability limits
to the state minimums. Buying more
coverage might seem like an odd way
to save, but the benefit comes if you have
a costly claim, which can put your life’s
savings at risk.
If you have another car that you can
use while your vehicle is being repaired.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 73
CHOOSING INSURANCE
you don’t need to pay for rental-reim-
bursement coverage. Dump roadside
assistance if you have an auto-club
membership that’s a better deal, or
if it’s part of your new car’s warranty.
Think carefully about personal-
injury protection and medical-payments
coverage: Forget it if you have good
health coverage; keep it if you don’t or
if your usual passengers might not be
well insured.
5) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF DISCOUNTS
Car insurers offer a whole range of mod-
est but worthwhile discounts that are
essentially based on a low-risk lifestyle.
Here are some to ask your insurer about
if they don’t mention them to you first:
> Students with good grades.
> New drivers who have taken a driver-
training course.
> Older drivers who have taken a
refresher course.
> Any driver who takes a defensive-
driving course.
> Members of affinity groups, such
as college alumni and certain occupa-
tions and professions.
> Antitheft and safety equipment.
6) MULTIPLE-POLICY HOLDERS
Insurers also offer fairly hefty auto
discounts if you also buy your home-
owners, renters, or life-insurance
policy from them. But be sure you check
out total costs both ways: premiums
from different insurers combined com-
pared with single-insurer packages.
7) MAINTAIN A GOOD CREDIT SCORE
Most states allow insurance companies to
use your credit score as a factor in setting
your premiums. Ask your insurance com-
pany if it does that. But regularly check
and correct credit-reporting errors anyhow
(see Chapter 4). If your finances have been
adversely affected by the recession, mili-
tary deployment, divorce, job loss, death
of a family member, or medical problems,
ask your insurer for an exception.
8) REPORT REDUCED MILEAGE
A major cost component in auto in-
surance is miles driven per year. The
74 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Ratings: Auto insurers
average is about 12,000. But if you re
driving a lot less than usual for some
reason, like a job change or retirement,
let your insurer know. Your reduced
driving could cut 5 to 10 percent off
your premiums.
O 9 O O •
Better ► Worse
Insurer* iReader score Survey results
9) CHOOSE YOUR CAR SHREWDLY
Vehicle damage is the biggest cost
component for auto insurers, so
premiums will vary by auto model.
When comparing models, ask your
insurer for premium quotes on the
different models under consideration.
10) MANAGE TEENAGE-DRIVER RISK
Adding a teenager to your policy can hike
your costs by 50 to 100 percent. Make
sure your child takes a safe-driving
course before getting a license. Make
it a rule that unsafe driving will mean
loss of driving privileges.
Inform your insurer if the child
isn’t licensed, or if your child is a college
student residing more than 100 miles
from your home and doesn’t have a car.
What is GAP
insurance?
USAA Group usaa.com
NJM Insurance Group (New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance
Company) njm.com
Arnica Mutual Insurance Company amica.com
Auto-Owners Insurance Group of Companies auto-owners.com
Erie Insurance Group erieinsurance.com
Farm Bureau Property & Casualty Insurance Company fbfs.com
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
statefarm.com
American Family Insurance Group amfam.com
Automobile Club of Southern California aaa-caiif.com
AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah Insurance Exchange
aaa4insurance.com
State Auto Insurance Companies stateauto.com
The Hartford Financial Services Group thehartford.com
Auto Club Insurance Association aaa.com
Hanover Insurance Group hanover.com
Berkshire Hathaway (Geico) geico.com
Travelers traveiers.com
Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company nationwide.com
Ameriprise Financial (IDS) ameriprise.com
Liberty Mutual Insurance iibertymutuai.com
Mercury General Corporation mercuryinsurance.com
MetLife metiife.com
Allstate Insurance Company aiistate.com
The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies progressive.com
Farmers Insurance Group of Companies farmers.com
Mapfre USA (formerly Commerce) mapfreinsurance.com
‘Some companies offer insurance only in specific regions.
Guaranteed Asset Protection,
known as GAP, is often bundled
with a loan or lease contract and is
definitely worth having unless you
own the car outright. If your car
is stolen or totaled, GAP pays the
difference between what you owe
and what the car is worth. It's
usually cheapest when it comes
as a feature of the full insurance
package covering a new car. As
a stand-alone policy sold through
car dealers it may add $5 to $20
per month, depending on the value
of the car and financing terms.
Guide to the Ratings Based on a 2014 survey of 64,872 Consumer Reports readers by the Consumer
Reports National Research Center. ReaderScore represents the weighted mean overall satisfaction
score derived from six-point satisfaction scales asked separately of consumers with claims and
consumers without claims, respectively, Responsesfrom consumers with clamswere weighted
more heavily. A reader score of 100 would mean all readers were completely satisfied; 80, very
satisfied, on average; 60, fairly well satisfied. Differences of fewer than 4 points aren't meaningful.
USAA, Arnica, and NJM stand out as the highest-rated insurance companies. Findings are repre-
sentative of Consumer Reports and Consumer Online Subscribers, but not necessarily of the U.S,
population as a whole. The Ratingfor Claims Satisfaction is based on the responses of 18,136
consumerswhofiledaclaim between 2011 and 2014 that had been settled or rejected. It is based on
a six-point satisfaction scale regarding handling of the claim, rangingfrom "completely satisfied"
to "completely dissatisfied." Ratings for Price are based on the comparison-shopping experiences
of 19, 521 consumerswithin the past 12 months. Ratings for Service are based on the comparison-
shopping experiences of 18,499 within the past 12 months. Each of these ratings is derived from mean
scores on 5-point scales where consumers rated their insurance company's' price and service relative
to rival companies they researched. Scale categories include "Much Better", "Slightly Better", "Not
Much Different", "SlightlyWorse"and "Much Worse". Ratings are for insurance groups, which are
composed in some instances of several affiliated companies. Ratingsforcompanies within groups
may vary, but group ratings representthesumof experiences of Consumer Reports subscribers
insured by the affiliated companies. Some companies offer insurance only in specific regions.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 75
RATINGS & REFERENCE
78
Models by category
Category by category listing of all of the
models featured in this issue.
80
Vehicle ratings
See how vehicles compare in
overall test score, predicted reliability,
owner satisfaction, owner cost, and
fuel economy.
96
Vehicle profiles
Unbiased reviews of 252 models, along with
guick-reference Report Cards and detailed
reliability histories for most models.
Road-test highlights
Turn here for test data on performance,
fuel economy, and more.
230
Crash-test resuits
Compare models on independent
crash-test results and rollover results.
Vehicle dimensions
Compare exterior and interior dimensions
and cargo, payload, and towing capacities.
FDR 2015 MODELS
RATINGS & REFERENCE
Models by category
With so many models on the market, it can be hard to keep track of what's available.
Here, you'll find a listing of nearly all 2015 models grouped by category. If a vehicle
comes in several variations, it's listed in each applicable group-hatchbacks and wagons,
for instance. Models in boldface are recommended by Consumer Reports. They have
performed well in our road tests, have average or better reliability, and perform
adeguately if included in crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway
Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. * means that not all
versions of a model are recommended. See the Ratings charts, starting on page 80,
and the Vehicle Profiles, which start on page 96, for detailed information on each model.
>SMALL CARS
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mazda2
Subcompact
Nissan Leaf
Mazda3
Chevrolet Sonic
Nissan Sentra
Mini Cooper
1 Chevrolet Spark
Scion tC
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
' Fiat 500
Scion xB
Mitsubishi Mirage
Ford Fiesta
Subaru Impreza
Nissan 370Z
Honda Fit
Toyota Coroila
Nissan Cube
Honda CR-Z
Toyota Prius
Nissan Leaf
Hyundai Accent
Volkswagen Beetle
Nissan Versa Note
Hyundai Veloster
Volkswagen Golf
Scion iO
Kia Rio
Voikswagen Jetta*
Scion tC
Mazda2
Smart ForTwo
Mini Cooper
Toyota Prius
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
^HATCH BACKS
Toyota Prius C
Mitsubishi Mirage
Audi A7
Toyota Yaris
Nissan Cube
Audi TT
Volkswagen Beetle
Nissan Versa
BMW 3 Series GT
Volkswagen GTI
Nissan Versa Note
BMW 5 Series GT
Volkswagen Golf
Scion iO
Chevrolet Corvette
Smart ForTwo
Chevrolet Sonic
Toyota Prius C
Chevrolet Spark
>SEDANS
Toyota Yaris
Chevrolet Volt
Midsized
Fiat 500
Chevroiet Maiibu
Compact
Ford Fiesta
Chrysler 200
BMW i3
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford Fusion
Chevrolet Cruze
Ford Focus
Honda Accord
Chevroiet Voit
Ford Focus Electric
Hyundai Sonata
Dodge Dart
Ford Focus ST
Kia Optima
Fiat BOOL
Honda Fit
Mazda6
Ford Focus
Hyundai Accent
Nissan Altima
Honda Civic*
Hyundai Elantra GT
Subaru Legacy
Hyundai Elantra*
Hyundai Veloster
Toyota Camry
Kia Forte
Kia Forte
Voikswagen Passat*
Kia Soui
Kia Rio5
Mazda3
Kia Soui
Large
Mercedes-Benz B-Class EV
Lexus CT 200h
Buick LaCrosse
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet SS
Chrysler 300
Dodge Charger
Ford Taurus
Hyundai Azera
Kia Cadenza
Nissan Maxima
Toyota Avaion
Compact Luxury
Acura ILX
Audi A3
Audi A4
BMW 3 Series*
Buick Regal
Buick Verano
Cadillac ATS
Cadillac ELR
Infiniti 050
Lexus IS
Lincoln MKZ
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz CLA
Volkswagen CC
Volvo S60
Midsized Luxury
Acura RLX
Acura TLX
Audi A6
Audi A7
BMW 5 Series
Cadiliac CTS
Cadillac XTS
Hyundai Genesis
Infiniti Q70*
Jaguar XF
Kia K900
Lexus CT 200h
Lexus ES
Lexus GS
Lincoln MKS
Maserati Ghibli
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Mercedes-Benz E-Ciass*
Volvo S80
Large Luxury
Audi AS
BMW 7 Series
Hyundai Equus
Jaguar XJ
Lexus LS
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Porsche Panamera
Tesla Model S
> SPORTS/
SPORTY CARS
Alfa Romeo 4C
Audi AS
Audi TT
BMW 2 Series
BMW 4 Series
BMW 6 Series
BMW Z4
Gadillac CTS-V
Chevroiet Camaro*
Chevrolet Corvette
Dodge Challenger
Dodge SRT Viper
Fiat 500 Abarth
Ford Fiesta ST
Ford Focus ST
Ford Mustang
Honda Civic Si
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Lexus RC
Mini Cooper S
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Cayman
Porsche 911
Scion FR-S
Subaru BRZ
Subaru WRX/STi
78 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Roadsters
Audi TT
BMW Z4
Chevrolet Corvette
Jaguar F-Type
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Mercedes-Benz SL
Mercedes-Benz SLK
Mini Cooper
Nissan 370Z
Porsche Boxster
Four-seat convertibles
Audi AS
BMW 2 Series
BMW 4 Series
BMW 6 Series
Chevrolet Camaro*
Fiat 500
Ford Mustang
Infiniti 060
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mini Cooper
Porsche 911
Volkswagen Eos
:>WAGONS
Audi Allroad
BMW 3 Series
Fiat 500L
Ford C-MAX
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Crosstour
Kia Soul
MazdaS
Mini Cooper
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Outback
Toyota Prius V
Toyota Venza
Volvo V60
Volvo XC70
-MINIVANS
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Grand Caravan
Honda Odyssey
Kia Sedona
Mazda5
Nissan Quest
Toyota Sienna
-SPORT-UTILITY
VEHICLES
Small
Acura RDX
Audi 03
Audi 05
BMW XI
BMWX3
BMW X4
Buick Encore
Chevrolet Trax
Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Tucson
Infiniti 0X50
Jeep Connpass
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Renegade
Jeep Patriot
Jeep Wrangler
Kia Sportage
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover Range Rover Evogue
Lexus NX
Lincoln MKC
Mazda CX-5
Mercedes-Benz GLA
Mercedes-Benz GLK
Mini Cooper Countrynnan
Mini Paceman
Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Nissan Juke
Nissan Rogue
Nissan Xterra
Porsche Macan
Subaru Forester
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volvo XC60
Midsized
Acura MDX
Audi 07
BMW X5
BMW X6
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Eguinox
Dodge Journey
Ford Edge
Ford Explorer
CMC Terrain
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
Infiniti 0X60
Infiniti 0X70
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento
Land Rover LR4
Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Lexus GX
Lexus RX
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKX
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
Porsche Cayenne
Tesla Model X
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Venza
Volkswagen Touareg
Volvo XC90
Large
Buick Enclave
Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Traverse
Dodge Durango
Ford Expedition
Ford Flex*
GMC Acadia
CMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
Infiniti QX80
Lexus LX
Lincoln Navigator
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Nissan Armada
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Seguoia
:-picKUP
TRUCKS
I Compact
Chevrolet Colorado
GMC Canyon
Nissan Frontier
Toyota Tacoma
Full-sized
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Silverado 2500
Ford F-150
Ford F-250
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Sierra 2500
Nissan Titan
Ram 1500
Ram 2500
Toyota Tundra
Ford Flex*
Ford Transit Connect
GMC Acadia
GMC Yukon
GMC Yukon XL
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Infiniti 0X60
Infiniti QX80
Kia Sorento
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover LR4
Land Rover Range
Rover Sport
Lexus GX
Lexus LX
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln Navigator
Mazda CX-9
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class wagon
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Armada
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Rogue
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model X
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Seguoia
Volvo XC90
>7-PASSENGER
VEHICLES
I Most minivans
plus these
I Acura MDX
Audi 07
BMW X5
Buick Enclave
Cadillac Escalade
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Traverse
Dodge Durango
Dodge Journey
Ford Expedition
Ford Explorer
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 79
RATINGS & REFERENCE
Vehicle Ratings
' <#»■
Maybe you've already narrowed down your
new-car shopping list to a few models and
want to see how they stack up in different
areas. Or perhaps you're diving headfirst into
the ocean of choices and want to compare
sedafea^ SUVs, wagons, and more. No matter
standout models by category
SEDANS
Subcompacts and Compacts
$14,000-$30,000
PROS ■ CONS
For commuting, running errands, and zipping
around town, a small car is often the most
practical choice. Most compact cars today
have the rear seat space once found in a mid-
sized car. Subcompacts usually have room
models tend to get good fuel economy. But
their elevated noise levels can leave your ears
ringing even after short drives, and they have
limited space for rear passengers and cargo.
They usually have small four-cylinder
• Easy to park,
maneuver
» Fuel economy
• Practical particularly
hatchback models
• Comfortable
accommodations
• Space for
four people
• Tend to be noisy
• Many have done
poorly in IIHS narrow-
offset crash test
• Slow acceleration
• Jittery ride
PLUG-IN
HYBRID
Chevrolet Volt
SUBCOMPACT
CARS
Kia Rio
Nissan Versa
Note
COMPACT CARS
■ Best overall
Subaru Impreza
Kia Forte
Hyundai Elantra
MazdaS
■ Fuel-Efficient
sedans
Volkswagen
Jetta TDI
MazdaS
Toyota Corolla
■ Fuel-Efficient
Hatchbacks
Toyota Prius >
space for two in back.
This category runs from rudimentary
economy models to premium cars. Thrifty
engines, with fuel economy averaging from
the mid-20s to mid-30s mpg overall. Some
models use turbocharging for more power.
Midsized: $22,000-$30,000
PROS ■ CONS
» Good ride • Some have
• Low noise complicated controls
• Comfortable • Restricted
accommodations visibility in some
•Abundant power -Limited cargo
•Space for flexibility
five people
• Sharp handling
■ Best overall
Subaru Legacy
Honda Accord
Toyota Camry
■ Best fuel economy
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Honda Accord Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Volkswagen Passat TDI
Mazda6
Honda Accord (4-cyl.)
Midsized sedans provide the best balance
of performance, fuel economy, comfort,
practicality, and affordability. Typically, base
models have a four-cylinder engine under-
hood, while higher trims come with a stronger
engine, either a V6 or turbocharged four.
It's common for a fully-loaded mainstream
sedan to approach luxury levels of price and
features, which accounts for the large price
spread between base and high-trim versions.
While all sedans are capable of seating five
passengers, the center rear perch is often no
place for an adult to spend much time. Most
have rear seatbacks that fold down to expand
cargo room, but check in advance to see if
the space fits your needs.
Large: $35,000-$40,000
1 PROS
■I CONS 1
• Interior space
• Hard to park
• Comfortable seats
• Lack agility
• Composed ride
• Mediocre fuel
• Large trunk
economy
■ Best overall
Chevrolet Impala >
Kia Cadenza
Toyota Avalon
Hyundai Azera
If you want extra stretch-out room, especially
to accommodate rear-seat passengers, a large
sedan capably fits the bill.
These cars emphasize comfort rather than
sharp handling. Fuel economy is usually so-so,
with 22 mpg overall typical for the class.
As a class, large sedans usually come
loaded with features. They have plushly
appointed cabins and abundant storage
space. A spacious, luggage-swallowing trunk
is almost always a given, but many big cars
don't offer fold-down rear seatbacks.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 81
RATINGS & REFERENCE
Luxury sedans
Compact: $35,000-$45,000,
Mid-sized: $40,000-$60,000
Large: $70,000-$95,000
PROS
• Comfort
• Quietness
• Power
• Handling
• Accommodations
• Advanced safety systems
CONS
• Fuel economy
• Expensive to maintain
• Complex and
distracting controls
• Tight rear seats in
some models
Luxury-branded cars promise more of everything than mainstream brands do: comfort,
quietness, power accessories, safety gear, and panache. All of which comes wrapped in
richer, more-supple interior materials.
Engine choices range from small turbo four-cylinders up to, and sometimes beyond,
powerful V8s. Smaller versions have impressive fuel economy, but mileage tends to go
down as you move up in size. Many require premium fuel to boot. But there are some
hybrids, electrics, and diesels on the market.
One common gripe is these models often have an over-complicated control setup for
the infotainment and associated in-car electronics. Those systems can be a chore to learn,
a continuing distraction even when mastered, and prone to reliability problems.
COMPACT
■ Great value
Buick Regal >
■ Sporty
BMW 328d xDrive
MIDSIZED
Audi A6 (3.0T)
Infiniti Q70 (V6)
Audi A7 3.0 TDI
Mercedes-Benz E350
Cadillac CTS
■ Great value
Lexus ES 350
Lincoln MKZ 2.0
EcoBoost
■ Fuel-efficient
Tesla Model S
Lexus ES 300h
Lincoln MKZ
Hybrid
LARGE
Lexus LS 460L
Hyundai Eguus
Signature
SPORTS CARS
$30,000-$50,000
PROS
• Fast
• Fun
• Agile
• Stylish
CONS
• Impractical
• Cramped
• Noisy
• Expensive to insure
SPORTS CARS FOUR-SEAT
Porsche 911 CONVERTIBLE
Chevrolet Corvette > Audi A5
Volkswagen Eos
ROADSTERS
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Porsche Boxster
We have yet to come across a definition for "sports car" that everyone can agree on.
The classic design is a compact, rear-wheel-drive, open-top roadster or fixed-roof coupe,
but some four-door sedans undoubtedly qualify. So do some front- and all-wheel-drive
cars, as do big American-style muscle cars. The best of the breed allow enthusiast drivers
to demonstrate their driving skill to the utmost. Other contenders merely look the part.
WAGONS & MINIVANS
Minivans: $35,000-$40,000
Wagons: $25,000-$40,000
Minivans get a bad rap. Widely scorned as trite emblems of boring suburbia, minivans are
actually a better bet than an SUV on several grounds. With comfortable seating for five,
and room for seven or eight in a pinch, minivans are not only great for hauling a passel of
1 PROS
■ CONS 1
• Seven or eight seats
• Mediocre fuel
• Abundant luggage or
economy
cargo space
• No street cred
• Composed ride
• Few minivans offer
• Decent handling
all-wheel drive
• Quietness
kids but also unbeatable at schlepping mountains of cargo.
The better vans are also quiet, comfortable, and reasonably agile. Only one, the Toyota
Sienna, currently offers all-wheel drive.
Wagons are a small niche market these days but can be an excellent alternative for
people who want the handiness of a small-to-medium sized SUV without the high step-up
and bulkiness most SUVs bring with them.
WAGONS
■ All-wheel drive
Subaru Outback
Audi Allroad
Volvo XC70 >
MINIVANS
Honda Odyssey >
Toyota Sienna
82 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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SUVs
The SUV is the de facto all-American car,
thanks to its versatility, passenger space,
available all-wheel drive, and ever-growing
list of convenience and safety features.
The best small SUVs do all of this while
handling well and returning fairly good, if not
stellar, fuel economy. Many are kid-friendly,
meaning they are easy to get in or out from
and have plenty off storage nooks.
Moving up to a midsized or large SUV
brings more room, third-row seats, large
cargo areas, and strong engines. But fuel
economy suffers and the largest, strongest
models can guickly get expensive. If you
often carry seven or eight and don't have to
tow, a minivan is often a better choice.
Luxury SUVs double-down on the
comforts and features to appeal to buyers
who want a more posh driving experience.
Small models are more AWD wagon than
off-road ready truck, and most have snug
rear seats and stingy cargo space. Midsized
and large SUVs add in more and better
creature comforts, and high-tech infotain-
ment and safety gear. Fuel economy isn't
often a high point, and the largest models
can be a bit ungainly.
Small $25,000-$35,000 Midsized $30,000-$40,000
Large $40,000-$60,000
PROS ■ CONS
• Versatility • Noisy
•Easy to park • Stiff ride
•Agility •Mediocre
fuel economy
PROS
• Good interior
and cargo space
• Ample power
• High selling price
• Mediocre fuel
economy
SMALL
Subaru Forester
Honda CR-V
Volkswagen Tiguan
Nissan Rogue
Mazda CX-5 (2.5)
Subaru XV
Crosstrek
• Composed ride
• Cabin guietness
• Third-row seat
in some
MIDSIZED
■ Three row
Toyota Highlander >
Hyundai Santa Fe
■ If two rows will do
Toyota Venza
Hyundai Santa Fe
Sport
• Handling can
be clumsy
■ Fuel-Efficient
Toyota Highlander
Hybrid
LARGE
■ Family-friendly
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Ford Flex >
■ To tow and haul
Dodge Durango
Luxury compact $35,000-$45,000
PROS
• Plush and quiet
• Agile
• Quick
• Advanced safety
features
Luxury midsized $45,000-$55,000
Luxury large $60,000-$80,000
1 PROS
■ CONS
• Plush accommodations
• So-so fuel economy
• Generous interior space
• Spotty reliability
• Cutting-edge technology
• Costly options packages
• Cabin quietness
• Expensive to maintain
• Ride
•Tight rear seat
• Complicated
controls
• High price
COMPACT
BMW X3
Mercedes-Benz
MIDSIZED
BMWX5>
Lexus RX
Acura MDX
■ Sporty
Porsche Cayenne
■ Fuel efficient
Lexus RX Hybrid
Volkswagen
Touareg TDI
LARGE
Buick Enclave
PICKUP TRUCKS
Modern pickups can be as full-featured and as guiet inside as luxury
cars and the popular full-sized (half-ton) pickups can cost as much as
one. Endless permutations of cab and bed and engine choices make
them infinitely adaptable for both work-related and family-car needs.
PROS
• Unbeatable hauling
and towing apacities
• Versatility
• Fuel thirsty
• Bulky size
• Exposed cargo area
• High cost
■ Best overall
Nissan Frontier
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 83
VEHICLE RATINGS
Key to the Ratings
The vehicles are divided by category and
ranked according to their overall test
scores. Some models are included in multi-
ple categories, as appropriate. Sometimes
we also include vehicles that are viable
alternatives to those in a specific category.
Recommended vehicles. These are
vehicles that meet Consumer Reports'
stringent testing, reliability, and safety
standards.
To earn our Recommendation, noted
with Q, vehicles must perform well in our
testing; have average or better reliability;
and perform adeguately if included
in a government or industry safety test.
In addition, pickups and SUVs must not
have tipped up in the government's rollover
test, if evaluated.
Guide to the charts
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has strengthened
its crash-test reguirements by adding a new narrow-offset frontal
crash test. This has resulted in some models that performed poorly
in the test losing their CR recommendation. Turn to the Safety
charts (page 190) for more information.
> Price as tested is the sticker price at the time of purchase of
our test vehicle, including an automatic transmission (unless
otherwise noted) and typical eguipment.
> Overall road-test score is based on results from more than
50 tests and evaluations.
> Survey results include predicted reliability, our forecast of
how well a new car will likely hold up based on its recent history
from our 2014 Annual Auto Survey. We might make a prediction for
a redesigned or new model if the vehicle or its manufacturer has
a consistently outstanding track record. The survey also includes
owner satisfaction, which is based on the percentage of sub-
scribers who say they would definitely buy or lease their vehicle
again. A newly introduced model without any data is identified
as "new.” A model that lacks sufficient data for either category
is identified with "NA."
>Cost per mile is an estimate of the five-year projected cost per
mile to own a vehicle, including depreciation, interest, insurance,
fuel, maintenance and repair, and sales tax.
>Fuel economy is the overall mileage a vehicle achieved based
on results from several fuel-economy tests, reflecting a realistic
mix of city and highway driving.
> Highs and lows give a guick summary of a model's notable
strengths and weaknesses.
Ratings
Why some vehicles are not In the
The following models have been redesigned or extensively
freshened since our last test. Most are scheduled to be included
in future road tests: Cadillac Escalade; Dodge SRT Viper; Ford
Expedition, F-150, and Mustang; Kia Sedona; Lincoln MKT and
Navigator; Nissan Murano; Subaru WRX STi; Volkswagen Beetle;
Volvo S80 and XC90.
84 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
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Honda Fit
Kia Rio
Recommended
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
0 100
P 1 F 1 G 1 VG 1 E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
ELECTRIC CARS/PLUG-IN HYBRIDS
Tesla Model S
(base, 85 kWh)
Ford C-Max Energi
Ford Focus Electric
Nissan Leaf SL
Toyota Prius Plug-in
Advanced
Chevrolet Volt
Mitsubishi i-MlEV SE
CARS: SUBCOMPACT
$89,650
34,940
40,990
35,430
35,890
43,700
33,630
Energy efficiency, acceleration.
1 O
NA
84'
quietness, ride, handling, easy-to-
o
use touchscreen, luggage capacity,
fit and finish, optional third-seat.
d
©
NA
94'/37'
Maximizes electric mode, fuel economy,
ride, handling, quietness, access.
NA
NA
NA
107'
Fun to drive, handling, ride, instant
power delivery, quietness.
Running costs, ride, instant power
©
©
NA
106'
delivery, quietness, access, turning
circle.
O
0.56
67 '/43'
Fuel economy, rear seat, access.
o
IIHS crash-test results, reliability.
Fuel economy, quiet, instant
o
O
NA
99'/322
acceleration in electric mode, not
limited in range.
NA
NA
NA
111'
Low energy consumption, parking
ease, turning circle.
O
d
$0.48
32
Fuel economy, secure handling,
controls, long warranty.
•
d
0.48
32
Handling, ride, noise, fuel economy,
turning circle.
Fuel economy, interior room and
new
new
0.45
33
versatility, handling, access, standard
rear camera.
d
O
0.47
28
Braking, trunk, quick and quiet
for class.
NA
NA
0.44
35
Handling, braking, ride, noise, fuel
economy, turning circle.
O
0.48
31
Fuel economy, transmission, secure
w
handling, controls, long warranty.
•
d
0.46
33
Handling, ride, noise, fuel economy,
turning circle.
NA
d
0.42
33
Handling, fuel economy, shifter,
turning circle.
©
•
0.50
30
Transmission, controls, equipment
levels.
NA
0.47
30
Handling, turning circle.
©
•
0.51
29
Transmission, controls, equipment
levels.
O
o
0.48
31
Space, access, versatility, fuel
economy, controls.
d
o
0.50
30
Braking, quick and quiet for class.
Hyundai Accent SE
(hatchback, MT)
Ford Fiesta SES
(hatchback, MT)
Honda Fit EX
$16,695
17,795
19,025
Chevrolet Sonic LT(l.8L) 17,290
Ford Fiesta SE(3-cyl.,MT) 18,720
Hyundai Accent GLS 16,050
Ford Fiesta SE 16,595
MazdaZ Sport (MT) 14,770
Kia Rio EX 17,275
MazdaZ Touring 17,075
Kia Rio EX (hatchback) 17,475
Nissan Versa Note SV 17,495
Chevrolet Sonic LTZ
(hatchback, 1.4T, MT)
19,870
' Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). ^ Miles-per-gallon when running on gas.
o e o o •
Better ■<- ► Worse
Lows
Limited range, access, visibility,
controls.
Reliability, complicated infotainment
system, grabby brakes, battery robs
cargo area, expensive to get rear camera.
Touchy throttle and brake pedal, battery
takes up trunk space, rear seat, MyFord
Touch controls, limited range.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, limited range, high-pitched
whine, no telescoping wheel, agility.
Agility, fit and finish, rear visibility,
not entirely electric in EV mode.
Visibility, controls, seats only four,
narrow driving position, cold weather
impact on electric range.
Short range, weak heat, acceleration,
ride, agility, driving position, Spartan
interior, complicated radio.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise, rear visibility.
Subpar reliability, acceleration, rear
seat, some controls, rear visibility.
Ride, noise, confusing audio system.
Reliability, fuel economy, darty steering,
narrow driving position, seat comfort.
Controls, rear seat, rear visibility, narrow
power band, relatively expensive.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise.
Subpar reliability, acceleration, braking,
rear seat, some controls.
Acceleration, ride, road noise,
front-seat comfort.
Ride, noise.
Acceleration, ride, road noise,
front-seat comfort.
Ride, noise, rear visibility, fuel economy
for class.
Driving position, unsupportive front
seats, acceleration, quirky CVT.
Reliability, so-so fuel economy, manual
gear ratios and shifter, narrow driving
position, seat comfort, rear visibility.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 85
VEHICLE RATINGS
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Higbs
Lows
OJ
0 100
P 1 F 1 G |VG| E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Overall MPG
CARS: SUBCOMPACT continued
$15,490
$0.45
Handling, engine noise, front-seat
Nissan Versa SV (sedan)
O
•
32
Fuel economy, rear seat, trunk.
comfort, fit and finish, IIHS small
overlap crash-test results.
Fuel economy, smooth transmission.
Acceleration, ride, noise, driving
Toyota Prius C Two
20,850
o
©
0.40
43
turning circle, relatively roomy rear
position, rear visibility, fit and finish.
seat for two, reliability.
IIHS small overlap crash-test results.
Fuel economy, roomy rear seat,
turning circle, reliability.
Noise, ride, agility, driving position.
Toyota Yaris LE
17,290
o
d
0.44
32
front-seat comfort, fit and finish.
radio controls, rear visibility.
Chevrolet Spark ILT
15,820
NA
o
0.44
31
Braking, access, relatively roomy,
IIHS crash-test results.
Acceleration, transmission, ride,
noise, agility, front-seat comfort,
complicated radio.
Scion IQ
16,205
EH
NA
NA
0.42
34
Fuel economy, turning circle,
transmission, front access, rear
seat adds flexibility.
Ride, noise, acceleration, steering,
driving position, fit and finish, radio
controls, blind spots, tiny rear seat.
Mitsubisbi Mirage ES
Smart ForTwo Passion
16,050
15,355
NA
NA
NA
d
0.48
0.43
37
39
Fuel economy, turning circle, relatively
roomy rear seat, hatchback versatility,
feature content.
Fuel economy, ease of parking, turning
circle, access.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, handling, noise, vibration, accel-
eration, feels cheap and insubstantial.
Transmission, acceleration, ride, agility,
noise, seats only two, premium fuel.
CARS: SMALL 2-DOOR
Mini Cooper (base)
$27,400
Hyundai Veioster
(base, MT)
Honda CR-Z EX (MT)
Fiat 500 Sport (MT)
18,600
FiatSOOC Pop (MT)
21,000
Scion tC
21,130
NA
NA
$0.54
d
d
0.53
NA
©
0.47
•
O
0.48
•
O
0.51
NA
NA
0.55
Handling, fuel economy, thick option
list allows personalization.
Handling, fuel economy, extra door,
^ turning circle, long warranty.
Fuel economy, shifter, turning circle,
" cargo flexibility.
„ Handling, shifter, fuel economy,
^ front access.
, . Fuel economy, agility, shifter, front
^ access, clever top design.
Relatively roomy rear seat and cargo
27 area, hatchback versatility, IIHS crash-
test results.
Rear seat, some controls, expensive
rear camera, gets pricey, 3-cylinder
a bit gruff, premium fuel.
Subpar reliability, ride, noise, lacks
low-end torque, rear visibility, rear seat.
Only two seats, noise, ride, visibility,
access, AC shut-off at stop.
Reliability, acceleration, ride, noise,
seats, driving position, controls, poor
IIHS small overlap crash-test results.
Subpar reliability, acceleration, ride,
driving position, front-seat comfort,
rear visibility, trunk.
Ride, noise, visibility, lackluster
handling, cheap interior, no rear wiper.
CARS: COMPACT
Volkswagen Golf SE
Q Subaru Impreza Premium
Q Kia Forte LX (1.8L)
Ford C-Max Hybrid SE
Ford Focus SE SEE
□ Subaru Impreza Sport
Premium (hatchback)
Q Toyota Prius Four
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid
SE
Q Hyundai Elantra SE (1.8L)
Q Kia Soul Plus
$25,315
21.345
19,570
26,685
21,650
22.345
29,230
28,055
19,410
24,115
new
©
$0.56
©
O
0.54
O
©
0.55
•
©
0.53
•
d
0.54
©
o
0.53
O
o
0.49
NA
o
0.51
©
o
0.51
©
o
0.63
Toyota Prius V Three
28,217
O © 0.48
□ MazdaBi Grand Touring
(hatchback, 2.0L, MT)
Q Volkswagen Jetta TOr
©
©
0.55
O
©
0.49
28
Ride, handling, quietness, braking,
easy infotainment system, hatchback
versatility.
No standard USB port, a bit pricey.
27
Ride, fuel economy for AWD, rear seat,
visibility, controls, IIHS crash-test results.
Noise, excessive engine braking with CVT.
28
Ride, braking, controls, relatively
roomy rear seat, value.
Agility, low rear seat, so-so fuel
economy.
37
Fuel economy, ride, handling,
quietness, access, utility.
Subpar reliability, some controls, grabby
brakes, small cargo area, expensive to
get rear camera.
31
Fuel economy, handling, ride, solid
feel, IIHS crash-test results.
Subpar reliability, controls, rear seat.
26
Ride, handling, braking, fuel economy
for AWD, rear seat, visibility, controls,
IIHS crash-test results.
Noise, excessive engine braking with CVT.
44
Fuel economy, transmission, rear seat,
access, turning circle, reliability, IIHS
crash-test results.
Agility, rear visibility, fit and finish.
37
Fuel economy, quietness, ride,
transmission, roomy rear seat.
Touchy brake pedal, small trunk, can
roll back on hills, premium fuel.
29
26
Fuel economy, ride, handling,
transmission, rear seat, value, IIHS
crash-test results, long warranty.
Handy size, inexpensive upscale
features, access, controls, braking,
IIHS crash-test results.
Road noise.
Stiff ride, limited cargo room with
rear seat up.
41
Fuel economy, transmission, rear seat,
access, cargo room, ride, reliability.
IIHS small overlap crash-test results,
acceleration, agility, engine noise,
complicated radio.
32
Handling, fuel economy, transmission,
high-end options, IIHS crash-test results.
Ride, noise, rear seat, visibility,
relatively pricey.
34
Fuel economy, agility, trunk space,
rear seat.
Ride, ESC slow to react.
86 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsunnerReports.org/cars
Volkswagen Golf Subaru Legacy
O 9 O O •
Recommended Better < > Worse
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Highs
Lows
lJ
cu
0 100
P 1 F 1 G 1 VG 1 E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Overall MPG
CARS: COMPACT continued
©
©
$0.52
33
•
0.53
28
©
©
0.47
32
•
d
0.56
28
•
o
0.59
27
O
o
0.49
30
•
o
0.53
30
•
o
0.57
26
NA
o
0.56
33
d
d
0.54
26
o
o
0.49
23
NA
NA
0.58
27
©
d
0.55
27
©
o
0.47
40
•
•
0.55
29
NA
NA
0.54
25
NA
NA
0.48
28
•
O
0.59
27
MazdaSi Touring (2.0L) $21,740
Ford Focus SE 20,280
Toyota Corolla LE Plus 20,652
Ford Focus SE (hatchback) 22,185
Chevrolet Cruze Eco 21,775
Honda Civic EX 21,880
Volkswagen JettaSE(l.8T) 22,610
Chevrolet Cruze Turbo
Diesel
Chevrolet Cruze 1LT(1.4T) 20,530
27,300
Chevrolet Cruze LS(l.8L) 18,375
Scion xB 18,360
Dodge Dart SXT(2.4L) 22,025
Hyundai Elantra GT* 20,445
Honda Civic Hybrid 25,140
Nissan Sentra SV 20,570
Mitsubishi Lancer ES 17,515
Nissan Cube 1.85 16,790
FiatSOOL Easy
24,595 M
Honda Accord LX (4-cyl.) 23,270 E
Handling, fuel economy, transmission,
high-end options, IIHS crash-test results.
Handling, ride, solid feel, IIHS crash-
test results.
Ride, fuel economy, interior space, large
trunk, secure emergency handling, value.
Handling, ride, solid feel, IIHS crash-
test results.
Ride, quietness, agility, solid feel,
front-seat space.
Fuel economy, powertrain, ride,
roomy interior, standard rear camera,
IIHS crash-test results, reliability.
Agility, acceleration, refined engine,
fuel economy, roomy rear seat, large
trunk, simple controls, visibility.
Ride, quietness, agility, solid feel,
front-seat space.
Fuel economy, quiet on highway,
roomy front cabin, ride.
Ride, quietness, agility, solid feel,
front-seat space.
Access, interior room, rear seat, neat
interior details, reliability.
Handling, braking, easy to use Uconnect
screen, IIHS crash-test results.
Transmission, controis, lots of features,
long warranty.
Fuel economy, IIHS crash-test results.
Fuel economy, braking, spacious
rear seat, access, lots of features
for the money.
Agility, steering, controis.
Space efficiency, access, transmission,
turning circle.
Roomy interior, handy size, access.
Ride, noise, rear seat, relativeiy pricey.
Subpar reliability, controls, rear seat.
Lackluster handling, inconsistent
interior quality, too easy to turn DRL off.
Subpar reliability, controis, rear seat.
Subpar reliability, so-so fuel economy,
rear seat.
Complicated up-level radio, fussy
on-board computer.
Subpar reliability, ride, ESC slow to
react, lackluster interior finish.
Subpar reliability, so-so fuel economy,
rear seat.
Diesel clatter, jerky driving at low
speeds, rear seat.
Subpar reliability, so-so fuel economy,
rear seat.
Driving position, dark cabin, visibility,
fit and finish, fuel economy.
Engine clatter at idle, seat comfort, fit
and finish.
Ride, noise.
Noise, fussy on-board computer.
Subpar reliability, poor IIHS small
overlap crash-test results, ride, noise,
agility, fit and finish, front-seat comfort.
Noise, fit and finish, braking, fuel
economy.
Braking, acceleration, agility, noise,
fit and finish, headlights, swing-out
tailgate.
Reliability, poor IIHS small overlap
crash-tests, jerky transmission, stiff
ride, touchy brake pedal, front seats.
CARS: MIDSIZED
|H Subaru Legacy 2.5
Premium
$24,837
■1 ©
new
$0.58
26
Ride, handling, braking, transmission,
fuel economy, visibility, affordabie
AWD, IIHS crash-test results.
Clock and outside temperature display
too small.
Q Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
29,052
o
©
0.52
38
Fuel economy, ride, powertrain, interior
room, reliability, IIHS crash-test results.
Too easy to turn off DRLs.
Q Toyota Camry XLE (V6)
32,603
©
O
0.65
26
Ride, fuel economy, powertrain, interior
room, acceleration, IIHS crash-test
Too easy to turn off DRLs.
results.
0.53
30
Fuel economy, drivetrain, handling,
roomy interior, visibility, driving
position, controis, iots of features,
IIHS crash-test results.
Complicated optional radio, ride
a bit cboppy.
'Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe). ^Miles-per-gallon running on gas engine.
ConsunnerReports.org/cars
‘Powertrain has changed since last test.
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 87
VEHICLE RATINGS
Chevrolet Impala Ford Fusion
1
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Highs
Lows
OJ
0 100
P 1 F 1 G |VG| E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Overall MPG
CARS: MIDSIZED continued
□ Chevrolet Malibu 2LTZ
(2.0T)
$33,865
O
O $0.70
Q Honda Accord EX-L (V6)
30,860
Q Toyota Camry LE (4-cvl.)
□ Volkswagen Passat SE
(1.8T)
Q Ford Fusion SE (1.5T)
□ Chevrolet Malibu ILT
(2.5L)
Nissan Altinia3.5SL
Q Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
Q Mazda6 Sport
Volkswagen Passat SEE
Premium (V6)
□ Ford Fusion Titanium
(2.0T)
Q Kia Optima SX(2.0T)
Hyundai Sonata SE (2.4L)
□ Volkswagen Passat TDl
SE*
Nissan Altima2.5S
Q Honda Accord Hybrid
Q Kia Optima LX (2.4)
Chrysler 200 C(V6)
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Chrysler 200 Limited
(4-cyl.)
29,945
25,790
O
O
O
©
O
•
O
O
NA
O
O
new
O
d
©
O
new
O
new
©
O
O
O
O
d
©
O
d
©
©
new
O
d
O
O
new
O
new
0.65
0.53
0.62
0.63
0.58
0.69
0.55
0.55
0.75
0.72
0.69
0.56
0.52
0.54
0.53
0.58
0.74
0.54
0.60
24
26
27
28
24
26
24
39
32
23
22
24
28
37
31
40
25
25
33
30
Ride, quietness, controls, transmission,
braking, straightforward infotainment
system, IIHS crasb-test results.
Fuel economy, drivetrain, handling,
roomy interior, visibility, driving
position, controls, lots of features,
IIHS crash-test results.
Fuel economy, ride, powertrain, interior
room, IIHS crash-test results, reliability.
Interior room, rear seat, trunk, access,
agility, braking, fuel economy, reliability.
Agility, ride, quietness, fun to drive,
braking, styling, IIHS crash-test results.
Ride, quietness, controls, transmission,
fuel economy, straightforward infotain-
ment system, IIHS crash-test results.
Acceleration, roomy interior, controls,
IIHS crash-test results.
Fuel economy, agility, ride, quietness,
fun to drive, powertrain, styling, IIHS
crash-test results.
Fuel economy, agility, transmission,
IIHS crash-test results, reliability.
Ride, handling, acceleration, interior
room, rear seat, access, IIHS crash-
test results.
Agility, ride, quietness, fun to drive,
braking, styling, IIHS crash-test results.
Acceleration, handling, transmission,
controls, feature content, IIHS crash-tests.
Spacious rear seat, ride, controls,
value, long warranty.
Fuel economy, ride, interior room, rear
seat, access, IIHS crash-test results.
Fuel economy, roomy interior, controls,
IIHS crash-test results.
Fuel economy, hybrid drivetrain, roomy
interior, visibility, driving position, lots
of features, IIHS crash-test results.
Secure handling, transmission,
controls, IIHS crash-test results.
Powerful V6, controls, IIHS crash-
test results.
Fuel economy, controls, long warranty.
Fuel economy, controls, IIHS crash-
test results.
Rear seat.
Complicated optional radio, ride
a bit choppy.
Too easy to turn off DRLs.
Slow-acting stability controi, automatic
climate control is pricey, transmission
is unrefined at iow speeds.
Visibility, slightly snug cabin, small
trunk opening.
Rear seat.
Subpar reliability, agility, ride.
Visibility, touchy brakes, slightly snug
cabin, small trunk opening.
Noise, ride, snug interior, low dash
vents. Sport trim lacks power seat.
Premium fuel, slow touch-screen
controls.
MyFord Touch controls, fuel economy, vis-
ibility, slightly snug cabin, trunk opening.
Road noise, low rear seat, rear visibility.
Braking, cornering grip, too easy to
turn off DRLs.
Acceleration, transmission unrefined
at low speeds.
Subpar reliability, agility, driver’s seat
lumbar support, no USB port.
Choppy ride, complicated trip computer
and infotainment system, hybrid engine
moans when revved, limited trunk.
Road noise, low rear seat, rear visibility.
Visibility, access, handling, ride, rear
head room.
Driveability, braking, on-limit handling,
road noise.
Visibility, access, handling, touchy
brakes, ride, engine noise, under-
powered, rear head room.
CARS: LARGE
■M Chevrolet Impala 2LTZ
“1 (3.6)
$39,110
O
O
$0.79
22
Chevrolet SS
47,170
NA
NA
0.98
17
Chrysler 300 (base, V6)
38,335
©
0.79
22
Ride, handling, braking, quietness,
spacious cabin and trunk, advanced
safety features.
Acceleration, handling, braking,
exhaust note, interior room, controls,
standard features.
Acceleration, transmission, ride,
quietness, seat comfort, fit and finish.
Rear visibility.
Fuel-thirsty, no exterior trunk release,
summer tires are unusable in snow.
Subpar reliability, fussy shifter,
headlights.
88 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsunnerReports.org/cars
O 9 O O •
Recommended Better ■< Worse
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Highs
Lows
lJ
CL)
0 too
P 1 F 1 G 1 VG 1 E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Overall MPG
CARS: LARGE continued
O
d
©
©
$0.83
0.92
22
18
Roomy interior, simple controls, fit and
finish, quietness, powertrain, reliability.
Acceleration, ride, quietness, seat
comfort, fit and finish.
Lacks some features expected for
this class.
Subpar reliability, fuel economy,
fussy shifter.
©
o
0.75
22
Acceieration, transmission, front seat.
Rear-seat room, overly light steering
at low speeds, headlights.
o
o
0.78
24
Fuei economy, powertrain, roomy
interior, seat comfort, quietness.
Ride, some controls.
©
o
0.68
36
Fuel economy, powertrain, roomy
interior, seat comfort, quietness.
Ride, some controls, touchy brake
pedal.
©
d
0.71
26
Fuel economy, ride, quietness, fit
and finish, front-seat comfort.
Visibility, tight cockpit, small trunk.
©
o
0.78
23
Quiet and spacious interior, fit and
finish, front-seat comfort, standard
features, iong warranty.
Stiff ride, agility.
•
©
0.77
22
Transmission, quietness, ride, interior
room, feature content.
Subpar reliability, fussy shifter, rear
access, awkward door handles.
o
o
0.78
20
Ride, quietness, powertrain, front
seat, fit and finish.
Visibility, tight cockpit.
o
o
0.78
21
Quietness, trunk space.
MyFord Touch controis, visibility,
driving position.
Kia Cadenza
Chrysler 300 C*
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV
Toyota Avalon Limited (V6) 40,670
42,501
Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Limited
Buick Lacrosse (Leather,
eAssist)
Hyundai Azera
Dodge Charger SXTPius
(V6)
Buick Lacrosse Premium I
(V6)
Ford Taurus Limited
(3.5. V6)
CARS: LUXURY COMPACT
Q BMW328dxDrive
$50,475 E
Mercedes-Benz C300
(AWD)
47,560 EE
BMW 3281
43,195 EE
Q Buick Regal Premium 1
34,485 E
AcuraTLX2.4L
35,920 EE
Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E
35,100 EE
Cadillac ATS Luxury (turbo)
Volkswagen CC Sport
(2.0T)
Audi A3 Premium
Infiniti Q50 Premium
(AWD)
Audi A4 Premium Quattro
Q Buick Verano Leather (2.4)
AcuralLX(2.0L)
Lexus CT200h Premium
Mercedes-Benz CLA250
43,295
32,800
31,495
44,855
35,895
27,750
30,095
32,012
36,500
Lexus IS250 (AWD)
43,823
O
O
$0.85
35
Handling, ride, fuel economy, transmis-
sion, front seats, fit and finish, visibility.
Tight rear seat, some controls, diesel-
engine noise, pricey options.
new
new
0.91
26
Ride, handling, acceieration, quietness,
fuel economy, front-seat comfort, fit
and finish.
Controis, price.
d
O
0.80
28
Fuel economy, handling, ride, accelera-
tion, transmission, fit and finish.
Subpar reliability, engine clatter,
some controls.
©
O
0.71
24
Acceleration, ride, handling, braking,
easy-to-use infotainment system.
Rear seat, rear visibility.
new
new
0.81
27
Powertrain, fuel economy, braking.
Annoying audio controls, lacks panache.
new
©
0.73
25
Acceieration, fuel economy, transmis-
sion, front-seat comfort, braking,
safety equipment, crash-test results.
Ride, rear seat, rear visibility,
some controis.
•
O
0.87
23
Handling, fun to drive, acceleration,
braking, fit and finish, front-seat comfort.
Subpar reliability, CUE controls, tight
interior, small trunk, turbo lacks
refinement, access, fuel economy.
•
O
0.71
26
Agility, ride, fit and finish, fuei economy.
Subpar reliability, visibility, access, tight
rear seat.
new
•
©
new
d
©
0.66
0.87
0.73
27
21
25
Handling, enjoyable to drive, feels
solid, braking.
Acceieration, braking, visibility,
relatively roomy cabin, IIHS crash-
test results.
Agility, acceleration, transmission,
fuel economy, fit and finish.
Rear seat, some controls, pricey for size,
tepid power off the line, headlights.
Subpar reliability, steering feei, ride,
road noise, some controls, restrictive
options packages, small trunk.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, controls, rear seat.
©
O
O
d
0.61
0.64
24
28
Quietness, transmission, braking.
Fuel economy, powertrain, controls,
reliability.
Front-seat comfort, tight rear seat,
narrow driving position.
Road noise, choppy ride, no driver’s
seat lumbar support, value.
O
O
0.62
40
Fuel economy, secure handling,
reliability.
Ride, noise, acceleration, snug interior,
rear visibility, cargo space.
•
O
0.75
28
Braking, fuel economy, fit and finish.
Subpar reliability, ride, noise, cramped
interior, uneven power delivery, visibility,
access, small trunk opening.
O
©
0.89
21
Powertrain refinement.
Acceieration, ride, road noise, iackluster
handling, fuel economy, driving position.
controls, tight quarters, access.
LUXURY CONVERTIBLES
Q Volkswagen Eos Sport
$35,829
□ Audi AS Premium Plus
(2.0T)*
49,300
Infiniti Q60 (base) 48,715 ^
O
©
$0.74
25
©
©
0.94
22
O
O
0.95
20
Transmission, fuel economy, turning
circle, fit and finish, clever sunroof,
calm with top down.
Handling, steering, transmission,
rear seat, top can be operated on
the move, fit and finish.
Acceleration, transmission, handling,
fit and finish, front-seat comfort.
Wind and road noise, rear seat, siow
initial throttle response.
Controls, engine noise.
Ride, tire noise, rear seat, trunk space,
body shake with top down.
‘Powertrain has changed since last test.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 89
VEHICLE RATINGS
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Highs
Lows
OJ
0 too
P 1 F 1 G |VG| E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Overall MPG
CARS: LUXURY MIDSIZED
Mercedes-Benz E250
BlueTec(AWD)
□ Audi A6 3.0 Premium Plus
Quattro
Q lnfinitiQ70(V6)
Q Audi A7 3.0 TDI
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 (AWD)
Q Mercedes-Benz E350
Q Lincoin MKZ 2.0 EcoBoost
Q Lincoin MKZ Hybrid
Infiniti Q70 Hybrid
Q Lexus GS 350
CadiiiacXTS Premium
□ CadiiiacCTS Luxury
(V6, AWD)
Q BMW535i
Q Hyundai Equus Signature*
Jaguar XF 3.0 (AWD)
Q Lexus ES 350
Q Lexus ES300h
Acura RLX Tecb
Lincoin MKS (base, 3.7)
$62,980
56,295
53,825
70,895 EL]
52,450 S
57,965 0
57,200
58,780
58,375
58,900
59,645
43,702
44,017
55,345
50,070
NA
o
$1.09
O
o
1.05
©
o
1.01
O
©
1.22
new
©
1.01
©
©
1.11
O
©
0.82
O
©
0.78
NA
NA
1.04
O
©
1.10
•
O
1.12
©
O
1.10
O
©
1.06
©
O
1.12
NA
©
1.17
O
©
0.81
O
o
0.69
O
d
1.03
d
o
0.98
30
22
21
28
20
21
23
34
25
21
22
21
23
19
21
25
36
23
20
Fuel economy, ride, handling, quietness,
seat comfort, fit and finish, visibility,
IIHS crash-test results.
Powertrain, handling, ride, quietness,
fuel economy, front-seat comfort, fit
and finish, high-tech features.
Acceleration, transmission, agility,
braking, fit and finish.
Powertrain, handling, ride, quietness,
fuel economy, front-seat comfort, fit
and finish, high-tech features.
Ride, braking, quietness, slick power-
train, plush interior, long warranty, value.
Acceleration, quietness, ride, handling,
front-seat comfort, fit and finish, IIHS
crash-test results.
Handling, ride, quietness, IIHS crash-
test results.
Handling, ride, quietness, fuel
economy, IIHS crash-test results.
Fuel economy, acceleration, fit
and finish.
Quietness, ride, powertrain, front-seat
comfort, fit and finish, visibility, reliability.
Roomy interior and trunk, seat
comfort, fit and finish, quietness,
braking, transmission.
Agiiity, fun to drive, front seats, plush
interior, braking, styling.
Powertrain, fuel economy, acceleration,
ride, quietness, fit and finish, front-seat.
Powertrain, quietness, fit and finish,
seat comfort, iong warranty.
Handling, steering, acceleration,
braking, quietness, styling.
Acceleration, fuei economy, drivetrain,
quietness, front-seat comfort, reliability.
Fuel economy, hybrid drivetrain, quiet-
ness, front-seat comfort, reliability.
Spacious and plush interior, seat
comfort, fuel economy, braking, IIHS
crash-test results.
Quietness, rear-seat room, fit
and finish.
Backup camera is off when radio is off,
acceleration from a stop can be slow.
Controls, turning circle.
Busy dashboard, overbearing electronic
safety aids.
Controls, turning circle.
Overzealous lane-keeping assist.
Backup camera is off when radio is off.
Controls, visibility, snug interior, hidden
exterior trunk release.
Controls, visibility, snug interior, hidden
exterior trunk release.
Abrupt transition between electric and
gas modes, touchy brake pedal, trunk.
Fussy controls.
Subpar reliability, frustrating CUE
control interface, ride not plush
enough, visibility, small trunk opening.
Complicated CUE controls, rear seat,
trunk, drivetrain refinement.
Disappointing handling, controls.
Agility, steering, on-limit handling,
radio controls.
Controls, tight quarters, rear access,
visibility.
Lackluster handling, controis.
Lackluster handling, controls, touchy
brake pedal.
Ride, agility, complicated controls,
suspension noise.
Reliability, frustrating controls, uncom-
posed ride, transmission, narrow cock-
pit, visibility, turning circle, small trunk
opening.
CARS: ULTRA LUXURY
^ Energy efficiency, acceleration,
quietness, ride, handling, easy-to-use
touchscreen, luggage capacity, fit and
finish, optional third-seat.
Very comfortable ride, quietness,
acceleration, braking, interior room,
seat comfort, fit and finish, active
safety technologies.
Handling, acceleration, transmission,
braking, seat comfort, quietness, fit and
finish, fuel economy, high-tech features.
Acceleration, ride, powertrain, fuel
economy, quietness, interior room,
fit and finish, seat comfort, reliability.
Acceleration, transmission, handling, ride,
quietness, seat comfort, fit and finish.
Handling, steering, braking, accelera-
tion, transmission, fit and finish,
headlights, hatchback versatility.
Acceleration, powertrain, braking, ride,
quietness, front seat, fit and finish,
safety features.
Exhaust sound, steering feedback, braking,
acceleration, transmission, fit and finish.
Tesla Model S
(base, 85 kWh)
Mercedes-Benz S550
(AWD)
Audi AS L*
$89,650
114,475
91,275
Lexus LS460L 82,504 E
Jaguar XJL Portfolio* 81,575 E
Porsche Panamera 5* 105,110 E
BMW750Li* 97,525 EE
MaseratiGhibliSQ4 89,010
1 O
O
NA
84*
•
O
$2.01
18
NA
O
1.63
21
O
O
1.30
21
NA
©
1.54
19
NA
O
1.73
20
O
O
1.75
18
NA
NA
NA
19
Limited range, access, visibility,
controls.
Subpar reliability, complicated and
distracting controls, price.
Controls, headlights, small trunk.
Agility, fussy controls.
Trunk, some controls, accessing the
low cabin, rear visibility.
Visibility, controls, access, seats
only four.
Agility, controls.
Ride, initiai turbo lag, wind noise, rear seat,
access, touchy brake pedal, fussy shifter.
90 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
o e o o •
Recommended Better Worse
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Highs
Lows
lJ
cu
0 100
P 1 F 1 G 1 VG 1 E
Predicted
reliability
Owner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Overall MPG
SPORTS CARS Equipped with manual transmission
BMW M235i
Porsche 911 Carrera S
Chevrolet Corvette
Stingray 3LT
Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand
Touring
Porsche Boxster 2.7
Volkswagen GTI Autobah n 31,730
Mini Cooper 5
Nissan 370Z Touring
(coupe)
Audi TT Premium Plus
(convertible, AT)
Subaru BRZ Premium
Scion FR-S
Mercedes-Benz SLK250 48,045
Subaru WRX Premium 29,742
BMWZ4sDrive28i 55,225
Ford Fiesta ST 24,985
Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution GSR
Ford Focus ST 28,270
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Autobabn
Chevrolet Camaro coupe
2SS (V8)
Fiat 500 Abartb
26,835
35,425
26,050
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Grand Touring (V6)*
Chevrolet Camaro
convertible 2SS (V8, AT)
28,375
43,510
Dodge Challenger R/T(V8) 35,015
Mitsubishi Lancer
Ralliart (AT)
Honda Civic Si
Chevrolet Camaro coupe
2LT (V6)
28,344
1 NA
NA
$0.93
O
O
1.78
O
O
1.27
O
o
0.60
©
o
1.06
new
©
0.67
NA
©
0.55
NA
o
0.78
NA
NA
0.85
•
©
0.65
•
©
0.60
NA
©
0.90
new
©
0.70
NA
O
0.90
NA
NA
0.59
NA
NA
0.91
d
O
0.67
NA
NA
0.61
O
O
0.76
NA
©
0.61
d
d
0.64
O
o
0.88
o
o
0.80
NA
NA
0.79
e
O
0.57
o
©
0.63
25
23
20
28
23
29
30
23
25
30
30
26
26
28
29
21
25
27
18
28
23
17
19
20
29
21
WAGONS (ALL-WHEEL DRIVE)
Subaru Outback 2.5
Premium
$28,852
Wk ©
©
$0.61
24
43,570
©
0.86
22
Acceleration, handling, braking, front-
seat comfort, quietness, IIHS crasb-test Rear seat room, some controls,
results.
Acceleration, handling, braking,
engine sound, visibility, fit and finish.
Ride, noise, access, controls.
Acceleration, handling, braking,
engine sound, controls, fit and finish,
performance for the price.
Handling, steering, braking, fuel
economy, top operation, reliability.
Ride, noise, access, visibility, shifter.
Noise, tight cabin, access, rear visibility.
Handling, acceleration, braking, fit and
finish, exhaust sound, top operation,
two trunks.
Rear visibility, narrow seats, some
controls, heavy clutch, access.
Agility, fuel economy, seat comfort, hatch-
back versatility, IIHS crash-test results.
No standard USB port.
Handling, fuel economy, manual shifter,
thick option list allows personalization.
Rear seat, some controls, expensive
rear camera, gets pricey, premium fuel.
Acceleration, handling, braking, fit
and finish.
Ride, noise, visibility, access.
Handling, transmission, braking, fit
and finish, AWD, top can be operated
on the move.
Ride, noise, visibility, access.
Driving fun, handling, braking, fuel
economy.
Subpar reliability, ride, noise, access,
radio controls, vestigial rear seating.
Driving fun, handling, braking, fuel
economy.
Subpar reliability, ride, noise, access,
radio controls, vestigial rear seating.
Handling, steering, braking, fuel
economy, civilized cruiser, neck
warmer, fit and finish.
Acceleration, cornering grip, braking,
four-door practicality, visibility, IIHS
crash-test results.
Manual shifter and clutch, engine
refinement, access.
Hard ride, constant engine drone, stiff
clutch, clunky shifter, turbo lag.
Acceleration, fuel economy, braking.
Steering feel, ride, noise, tight
quarters, access.
Handling agility, effortless power
delivery, sound, braking, fuel
economy, fun-to-drive.
MyFord Touch controls, ride, snug
optional Recaro seats.
Acceleration, handling, agility,
steering, braking.
Handling, fun to drive, acceleration,
braking, relatively civilized as a daily
driver.
Ride, noise, access, trunk, driving
position, fit and finish.
Subpar reliability, MyFord Touch
controls, driving position, snug Recaro
seats, some torque steer, turning circle.
Handling, powertrain, fuel economy,
rear seat, trunk.
Acceleration, handling, braking,
transmission.
Long clutch travel.
Visibility, fuel economy, controls, rear seat,
access, body shake, top operation, trunk.
Invigorating exhaust note, agility,
braking, fuel economy.
Noise, ride, steering feel, driving position,
controls, tiny rear seat and cargo area,
rear visibility, turning circle.
Acceleration, handling, controls,
long warranty.
Subpar reliability, shifter and clutch,
ride, rear seat, trunk.
Acceleration, braking.
Body shake, top operation, visibility,
controls, rear seat, fuel economy, trunk.
Acceleration, exhaust note, quietness,
controls.
Acceleration, handling, controls.
Powertrain, shifter, fuel economy, rear
seat, reliability.
Fuel economy, visibility, foot operated
parking brake with manual transmission.
Transmission, ride, noise, fit and finish,
no telescope wheel, big spoiler blocks
rearview.
Ride, noise, steering feel, fit and finish,
narrow front seats.
Straight-line acceleration.
Agility, shifter, visibility, controls, rear
seat, trunk.
Ride, transmission, fuel economy,
visibility, affordable AWD, IIHS crasb-
test results.
Handling, fit and finish, transmission,
braking, fuel economy for AWD. reliability.
Clock and outside temperature display
too small.
Controls, small rear seat and cargo area.
‘Powertrain has changed since last test.
‘Miles-per-gallon equivalent (MPGe).
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 91
VEHICLE RATINGS
Honda Odyssey Toyota Highlander
WAGONS (ALL-WHEEL DRIVE) continued
Q Volvo XC70
$42,560
H O
©
$0.86
18
Q Toyota Venza (V6)
34,209
■ O
O
0.68
20
Honda Crosstour EX-L (V6)
34,730
■ O
O
0.74
21
MINIVANS
Q Honda Odyssey EX-L $38,055
MazdaS Grand Touring 24,820
Nissan Quest SL 39,040
Q Toyota Sienna XLE(FWD) 35,810
Q Toyota Sienna XLE(AWD) 38,201
Ford Transit Connect XLT
(2.5L)
Chrysier Towns Country
Touring-L
Dodge Grand Caravan R/T 37,295
O
©
$0.77
21
©
o
0.61
23
O
o
0.84
19
O
©
0.74
20
©
o
0.78
19
NA
NA
0.64
21
d
O
0.85
17
d
O
0.80
17
SUVs: SMALL
□ Subaru Forester 2.5i
Premium
Ford Escape Titanium
(2.0T)
Q Honda CR-V EX*
Toyota RAV4XLE
Ford Escape SE (1.6T)
□ Subaru XV Crosstrek
Premium
Q Voikswagen Tiguan SEE
Q Nissan Rogue SV
Q Mazda CX-5 Touring (2.5L)
$26,814
36,600
26,455
26,802
28,040
24,215
37,020
29,920
28,090
O
o
$0.58
d
o
0.74
©
©
0.58
©
o
0.56
•
d
0.62
o
©
0.56
o
o
0.78
o
o
0.66
o
©
0.62
26
22
23
24
22
26
21
24
25
Safety equipment, optional built-in
booster seats, transmission, front
seats, fit and finish, cargo room.
Acceleration, powertrain, access,
rear seat, cabin storage, reliability.
Powertrain, seat comfort.
Ordinary ride, handling, and
performance, awkward ignition.
Lackluster handling, ride, rear visibility.
Agility, rear visibility, radio controls,
small cargo area, turning circle.
Ride, handling, powertrain, fuel
economy, spacious and flexible interior,
comfortable seats, IIHS crash-test
results, safety aids.
Handling, interior versatility, visibility,
access, controls.
Ride, quietness, powertrain, fuel
economy, plush interior, fold-flat seats.
Ride, transmission, interior space and
flexibility, rear seat, fuel economy,
reliability
Ride, transmission, interior space and
flexibility, rear seat, fuel economy, AWD.
Interior space, access, front visibility,
handling, ride.
Ride, quietness, foldaway second-row
seats, cargo flexibility.
Ride, quietness, foldaway second-row
seats, cargo flexibility.
Confusing uplevel radio, fit and finish.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, road noise, lacks reserve
power, tight third-row.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, agility.
Agility, road noise, fit and finish.
Agility, road noise, fit and finish.
Acceleration, difficult to fold seats,
wind noise, some controls, fit and
finish, sparse on features.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test results,
reliability, fuel economy, cornering limits,
unrefined transmission, radio controls.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test results,
reliability, fuel economy, cornering limits,
unrefined transmission, radio controls.
Fuel economy, visibility, braking,
roomy interior, access, controls,
reliability, IIHS crash-test results.
Agility, ride, quietness, solid feel,
access.
Powertrain, braking, rear seat, access.
Fuel economy, agility, transmission,
access, roominess, standard backup
camera.
Agility, ride, quietness, solid feel,
access.
Fuel economy, controls, rear seat, vis-
ibility, IIHS crash-test results, reliability.
Agility, transmission, access, fit and
finish, rear seat.
Ride, access, spacious interior, fuei
economy, optional surround-view
camera, available third-row seat, IIHS
crash-test results.
Fuel economy, agility, rear-seat, blind-
spot detection, IIHS crash-test results,
reliability.
Unsettled ride, noise, antiquated
connectivity.
Subpar reliability, poor IIHS small
overlap crash-test results, narrow
driving position, MyFord Touch controls.
Road noise, low cornering limits, rear
visibility.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise, driver’s seat lumbar
support, too easy to turn off DRLs.
Subpar reliability, poor IIHS small over-
lap crash-test results, front-seat comfort,
narrow driving position, radio controls.
Noise, ride, unrefined CVT, antiquated
connectivity.
Ride, noise, touch-screen controls.
Engine noise, cloth front-seat lacks
support, gets pricey.
Ride, noise, low dash vents.
Recommended
Make & model
Price as loverall
road-test score
0 lO
P I F I G I VG I E
SUVs: SMALL continued
1 Survey results
Owner
Fuel
Highs
J
cost
economy
■a >-
CL) .-ti
OJ Q
tn ^
LJ E
LD
o_
10
CD
Cl
"rt
o_ iz
OJ
O
Visibility, fuel economy, hybrid reduces
A
A
$0.59
28
engine noise, better ride and handling
O
than regular XV, IIHS crash-test results,
reliability.
A
0.59
22
Braking, handling, transmission.
w
controls, long warranty.
•
©
0.78
21
Quietness, access, rear seat, lots of
high-end options.
©
d
0.60
22
Handling, transmission, controls.
©
d
0.73
21
Acceleration, handling, transmission,
controls.
o
d
0.58
24
Handling, powertrain, fuel economy.
A
0.60
23
Versatility, controls, front access.
O
reliability, IIHS crash-test results.
NA
0.64
23
Standard third-row seat, strong air
o
conditioning, IIHS crash-test results.
•
d
0.63
22
Access, rear seat, lots of high-end
options.
O
d
0.61
21
Compliant ride.
•
•
0.61
22
Simple controls.
Fuel economy, ride, quietness, roomy
©
©
$0.86
25
and versatile interior, access, standard
backup camera, easy-to-use infotain-
ment, crash-test results.
Powertrain, fuel economy, roomy and
O
o
0.76
20
versatile interior, access, standard
backup camera, easy-to-use infotain-
ment, crash-test results, reliability.
Powertrain, fuel economy, roomy
O
©
0.77
20
and versatile cabin, access, controls,
value, long warranty.
A
o
0.84
16
Agility, steering, quietness, transmis-
sion, interior flexibility.
Powertrain, fuel economy, optional
o
©
0.82
20
third-row seat, access, controls, lots
of features.
Roomy interior, fuel economy.
o
o
0.64
23
transmission, controls, feature
content, long warranty.
•
d
0.86
18
Roominess, controls, access.
Powertrain, seats eight, interior
o
o
0.75
18
accommodations, storage and
flexibility.
•
o
0.76
21
Fuel economy, access.
o
0.81
18
Acceleration, ride, roomy rear seat.
©
access, IIHS crash-test results.
o
0.81
18
Acceleration, ride, roomy rear seat.
©
access, IIHS crash-test results.
A
o
0.63
21
Rear seat, ride, handling, fuel
economy, IIHS crash-test results.
A
o
0.63
21
Rear seat, ride, handling, fuel
economy, IIHS crash-test results.
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Hybrid
Hyundai Tucson SE
Jeep Cherokee Limited
(V6)
Kia Sportage LX
Kia Sportage SX (2.0T)
Nissan Juke SV
Mitsubishi Outlander
Sport SE
Mitsubishi Outlander SE
(4-cyl.)
Jeep Cherokee Latitude
(4-cyl.)
Jeep Patriot Latitude*
$27,132
31,440
24,840
27,490
24,440
Jeep Compass Latitude* 24,985
SUVs: MIDSIZED
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Limited
Toyota Highlander XLE
(V6)
$50,875
38,941
Hyundai Santa FeGLS(V6) 36,290
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring 38,615
KiaSorentoEX(V6) 37,950
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
(4-cyl.)
28,370
Nissan Pathfinder SL 40,470
Honda Pilot EX-L
Ford Edge SEL (FWD, 2.0
EcoBoost)
Chevrolet Equinox LTZ
(V6)
CMC Terrain SLT2 (V6)
Chevrolet Equinox ILT
(4-cyl.)
CMC Terrain SLEl (4-cyl.)
O 9 O O •
Better >■ Worse
Lows
Modest fuel-economy gain for
a hybrid, antiquated infotainment
and connectivity.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise, low rear seat,
rear visibility.
Subpar reliability, transmission, choppy
ride, visibility, confusing pricing structure.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise, rear visibility, fit
and finish.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise, rear visibility,
complicated radio controls.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, noise, rear visibility,
rear seat, cargo area, no telescoping
steering wheel, premium fuel.
Noise, ride, agility, acceleration, fit
and finish.
Noise, ride, agility, acceleration, front-
seat comfort, fit and finish.
Subpar reliability, acceleration, choppy
ride, visibility, front-seat comfort,
confusing price structure.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, engine noise, acceleration,
driving position, front-seat comfort,
complicated optional radio controls.
Subpar reliability, engine noise, accelera-
tion, braking, driving position, front-seat
comfort, rear visibility, cornering limits.
Hybrid only available with top trim
version, low rear seat.
Expensive electronic safety gear, low
rear-seat.
Tight third-row with difficult access.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, cargo capacity, fuel economy.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, ride, agility.
Steering feel, visibility.
Subpar reliability, handling, rear
visibility, second-row thigh support.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, road noise, so-so braking and
acceleration, low cornering limits, fit
and finish, busy center dashboard.
Subpar reliability, noise, rear visibility,
no AWD with EcoBoost engine.
Visibility, sluggish feel.
Visibility, sluggish feel.
Acceleration, transmission, rear
visibility, turning circle.
Acceleration, transmission, rear
visibility, turning circle.
‘Powertrain has changed since last test.
ConsunnerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 93
VEHICLE RATINGS
Make & model
Price as
tested
Overall
road-test score
Survey results
Owner
cost
Fuel
economy
Highs
Lows
OJ
0 100
P 1 F 1 G |VG| E
Predicted
reliability
Qwner
satisfaction
Cost
per mile
Qverall MPG
SUVs: MIDSIZED continued
Ford Explorer XLT (V6)
$39,275
O
o
$0.89
18
Ford Edge SEL (3.5)
37,625
O
o
0.80
18
Dodge Journey Limited
(V6)
36,975
•
d
0.85
16
Nissan Xterra 5
28,000
©
©
0.68
17
Toyota 4Runner SR5 (V6)
37,425
O
©
0.76
18
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Sahara
36,340 ^
•
©
0.77
17
Interior room and flexibility, usable
tbird-row, cabin storage.
Access.
Ride, quietness, cabin storage.
Powertrain, acceleration, quietness,
off-road ability.
Off-road ability, power-retractable
rear window, reliability.
Powertrain, off-road capability.
Agility, driving position, MyFord Touch
controls, unrefined transmission.
Noise, unrefined transmission, MyFord
Touch controls, rear visibility.
Subpar reliability, handling, unrespon-
sive transmission, fuel economy, rear
visibility, tiny third-row.
Ride, access, high rear door handle.
Handling, ride, driving position, fit and
finish, access, turning circle.
Subpar reliability, ride, handling, braking,
wind noise, access, driving position, seat
comfort, visibility, fit and finish.
SUVs: LARGE
□ Dodge Durango Limited
(V6)
Q Chevrolet Traverse LT
Q CMC Acadia SLT2
Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
Q Ford Flex SEL
O
©
O
new
O
©
O
O
O
O
$0.96
0.83
0.85
1.36
0.86
CMC Yukon XL SLT
67,370
■ new
O
Chevrolet Tahoe LT
60,100
■ O
O
CMC Yukon SLT
62,125
■ O
O
Toyota Sequoia Limited
(5.7)
54,005 ^^B
■ ©
O
Nissan Armada Platinum
55,400
■ NA
d
1.32
1.21
1.24
1.05
1.18
18
16
16
16
18
16
16
16
15
13
Ride, quietness, transmission, inte-
rior space, access, front-seat comfort,
usable third-row seat, towing capacity.
Ride, handling, quietness, interior
room and flexibility, usable third-row
seat, blind-spot mirrors.
Ride, handling, quietness, interior room
and flexibility, usable third-row seat.
Utility, quietness, fit and finish, easy
to use infotainment, cargo and towing
capacity.
Ride, quietness, interior room and
flexibility.
Utility, quietness, fit and finish, easy
to use infotainment, cargo and towing
capacity.
Quietness, fit and finish, easy to use
infotainment, cargo and towing capacity.
Quietness, fit and finish, easy to use
infotainment, cargo and towing capacity.
Powertrain, accommodations, towing
and off-road capability, cabin storage,
power-retractable rear window.
Acceleration, transmission, spacious
interior.
Rear visibility, maneuverability.
Rear visibility, fuel economy,
wet braking.
Rear visibility, fuel economy,
wet braking.
Step-in height, long to park, feels
underpowered, price.
MyFord Touch controls, lackluster
handling, turning circle, rear visibility.
Handling, stiff ride, step-in height, long
to park, feels underpowered, price.
Handling, stiff ride, feels underpowered,
step-in height, price.
Handling, stiff ride, feels underpowered,
step-in height, price.
Agility, braking, unsettled ride, high
step-in, long reach to some controls.
Fuel economy, handling, ride,
high step-in.
SUVs: LUXURY COMPACT
Porsche Macan S
$63,290
Q BMWX3xDrive28i(2.0T)
44,595
Q Mercedes-Benz GLK350
44,995
mm Audi Q5 Premium Plus
I* (2.0T)
41,075
Q AcuraRDX
36,605
Q BMWXlxDrive28i(2.0T)
38,795
Q Volvo XC60T6
42,245
new
O
©
O
O
O
O
new
©
©
©
©
O
O
$1.18
0.83
0.93
0.83
0.77
0.78
0.90
Lincoln MKC Reserve
46,485
new new 0.92
Buick Encore Leather
30,555
Mini Cooper
Countryman S
32,500
Cadillac SRX Luxury
43,085
Land Rover Range Rover
Evoque Pure*
45,745
‘Powertrain has changed since last test.
O
O
0.64
•
O
0.62
O
O
0.93
NA
O
0.93
19
23
21
21
22
23
17
19
23
26
18
21
Handling, powertrain, ride, quietness,
braking, front-seat comfort, fit and
finish, towing capacity.
Agility, powertrain, braking, fuel
economy, fit and finish.
Acceleration, agility, visibility, front-
seat comfort, fit and finish, quietness.
Handling, transmission, braking, fit
and finish.
Acceleration, fuel economy, access,
controls, front-seat comfort.
Acceleration, agility, steering feedback,
transmission, fuel economy.
Transmission, fit and finish, advanced
safety features, IIHS crash-test results.
Quietness, braking, nicely trimmed
interior.
Ride, quietness, braking, maneuver-
ability, fuel economy.
Handling, transmission, acceleration,
fuel economy, IIHS crash-test results.
Agility, fit and finish, front-seat
comfort.
Acceleration, fit and finish.
Rear visibility, modest cargo area,
stingy standard in-car electronics,
lots of buttons, price.
Controls, low rear-seat.
Tight rear seat, ride can be rocky, some
controls, rear access.
Controls.
Ride, steering feel, at-the-limit
handling, rear visibility.
Ride, heavy steering effort, rear
visibility, modest interior room.
Ride, fuel economy, rear visibility.
Unsettled ride, short on agility, fuel
economy, short cruising range, controls,
driving position, rear visibility.
Poor IIHS small overlap crash-test
results, acceleration, driving position,
narrow cabin, rear visibility, value.
Subpar reliability, ride, noise, controls,
cargo space, premium fuel, flimsy
interior details, pricey.
CUE controls, visibility, engine needs
revs to deliver.
Emergency handling, steering feel,
ride, noise, visibility, driving position,
cargo space.
94 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsunnerReports.org/cars
Recommended
o ©
Better x
O O
Worse
Make & model
Price as [Overall
road-test score
Owner
Fuel
cost
economy
0 100 g 2
P I F I G I VG I E
SUVS: LUXURY MIDSIZED/LARGE
Lexus RX450h
BMWX5xDrive35i
Mercedes-Benz GL350
BlueTec
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Limited (diesel)
AcuraMDXTech
Lexus RX350
Land Rover Range Rover
HSE (3.0L)
73,020
49,780
49,460
47,381 EE
88,545 QE
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Limited (V6)
Porsche Cayenne (V6)*
Buick Enclave CXL
Mercedes-Benz ML350 56,960
Land Rover Range Rover
Sport HSE (3.0L)
lnfinitiQX70 (V6)*
Lexus GX 460
Toyota Land Cruiser
InfinitlQXSO
Lincoln MKX (3.7)
O
$0.94
1.19
1.28
0.96
0.95
0.90
1.67
26
21
20
24
20
Fuel economy, ride, quietness, fit and
finish, reliability.
Drivetrain, fuel economy, quietness,
seat comfort, fit and finish, visibility.
Fuel economy, quietness, ride, plush
interior, front-seat comfort, roomy rear
and third-row seats, towing capacity.
Quietness, ride, fuel economy, off-road
and towing capabilities, seat comfort,
fit and finish, easy-to-use Uconnect
infotainment system.
Fuel economy, fit and finish, third-row
access mechanism, rear seat, electronic
safety features, headlights, IIHS crash-
test results.
Powertrain, fuel economy, fit and
finish, ride, quietness, reliability.
Ride, quietness, acceleration, interior
room, fit and finish, visibility, seat com-
fort, off-road and towing capabilities.
Lackluster handling, some controls,
rear visibility.
Some controls.
Subpar reliability, clumsy emergency
handling, some controls, backup camera
only works with radio on.
Subpar reliability, fussy shifter.
Controls, agility, suspension noise, rear
visibility, lack of flexibility in ordering
options.
Lackluster handling, some controls,
rear visibility.
Agility, controls.
mm Volkswagen TouaregTDl
Sport
49,505
* O
o 0.98
Fuel economy, handling, front-seat
comfort, fit and finish, towing capacity.
Ride, shift quality at low speeds.
InfinitlQXGO (3.5L)
51,920
■1
O 0.98
Plush interior, roomy cabin, quietness,
19 fit and finish, access, front-seat comfort.
Subpar reliability, agility, rear visibility.
controls, surround-view camera.
d ©
NA ©
NA O
O ©
O
NA
© ©
O O
0.93
1.23
0.89
1.15
1.45
1.01
1.12
1.27
1.24
0.98
Quietness, ride, off-road and towing
capability, seat comfort, fit and finish,
easy to use Uconnect system.
Handling, transmission, fit and finish,
towing capacity, headlights.
Ride, handling, interior room and
flexibility, quietness, fit and finish,
easy access to usable third seat.
Quietness, transmission, front-seat
comfort, fit and finish, towing capacity,
IIHS crash-test results.
Handling, acceleration, fit and finish, front
visibility, towing and off-road capability.
Acceleration, transmission, handling,
fit and finish, front seat.
Powertrain, quietness, ride, fit and
finish, front-seat comfort, off-road
ability, towing.
Ride, quietness, powertrain, acceleration,
fit and finish, front- and second-row
seats, off-road, towing capacity.
Powertrain, quietness, rear seat, fit
and finish, cargo capacity, towing,
off-road, headlights.
Fit and finish, access.
Subpar reliability, fussy shifter.
Controls, slow start-stop feature,
low-speed ride, pricey options.
Fuel economy, rear visibility, some
controls.
Subpar reliability, steering feel, some
controls, backup camera only works
with radio on.
Stiff ride, poor snow traction, controls,
fussy shifter.
Ride, rear visibility, cargo area.
Agility, third-row seat, side-hinged
tailgate.
Fuel economy, agility, third-row seat.
Handling, access.
Controls, rear visibility, low rear seat.
PICKUP TRUCKS
Ram 1500 Big Horn
(V6, diesel)
Ram 1500 Big Horn
(5.7LV8)
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
LT(5.3LV8)
42,070
NA
NA
$0.95
O
©
0.92
•
©
0.91
GMC Sierra 1500 SLT
(5.3LV8)
Q Nissan Frontier SV (V6)
43,200 EB
30,110 □
•
©
0.88
O
o
0.73
Nissan Titan SV (5.6LV8)
36,905
NA Q 0.87
Toyota Tundra SR5
(5.7LV8)
Toyota Tacoma (V6)
34,738
■ ©
©
0.81
33,119
O
©
0.77
Fuel economy, transmission, ride,
20 quietness, roomy cabin, Uconnect
touchscreen.
Powertrain, ride, quietness, cabin
^ space, Uconnect touchscreen.
Fuel economy, quietness, relatively
16 good agility and access, payload and
towing capacity, low-effort tailgate.
Fuel economy, quietness, relatively
16 good agility and access, payload and
towing capacity, low-effort tailgate.
15 Powertrain, acceleration, agility.
Powertrain, acceleration, relatively
14 responsive handling, rear seat, low-
effort tailgate.
jr Powertrain, telescoping steering
wheel, towing, low-effort tailgate.
Powertrain, controls, off-road ability,
composite rust-free bed.
Access, heavy tailgate, diesel gets
expensive.
Subpar reliability, access, heavy rear
tailgate.
Subpar reliability, ride, long wet
braking stops, seat comfort.
Subpar reliability, ride, long wet
braking stops, seat comfort.
Rear-seat room, heavy tailgate,
turning circle, no full-time 4WD.
Braking, access, fit and finish, no
full-time 4WD.
Ride, visibility, braking, long reach to
some controls, no full-time 4WD.
Ride, handling, driving position, high
step-in, low rear seat, no full-time 4WD.
ConsunnerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 95
RATINGS & REFERENCE
Profiles
A user's guide
On the following pages, you'll find reviews, key Ratings, and
information for the 252 cars, SUVs, minivans, pickup trucks,
wagons, and hatchbacks featured in this book, covering all
2015 models. Each profile includes a review by Consumer Reports'
auto experts; model overview information including base price,
body styles, engines, and transmissions; an overall score and
reliability history; and a Report Card detailing Ratings for
predicted reliability, owner cost, owner satisfaction, accident
avoidance, and fuel economy. Use these profiles, along with the
Ratings (starting on page 76) and our data charts (starting on
page 224), to narrow down your choices.
RECOMMENDED VEHICLES 0
Models that meet stringent criteria
These are the vehicles that meet Consumer Reports' stringent testing,
reliability, and safety standards.
To earn our Recommendation (right),
vehicles must perform well in our testing; R-GCOnirTVended
have average or better reliability; and
perform adeguately if included in safety tests conducted by the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration. In addition, pickups and SUVs must not have
tipped up in the government's rollover test.
REPORT CARD Q
Scores in key categories
The Report Card is a guick summary of a vehicle's Ratings highlights.
Predicted reliability is our forecast of how well a model is likely
to hold up, derived from CR's Annual Auto Survey, which garnered
responses on about 1.1 million vehicles. Detailed Ratings are provided in
the Reliability History charts explained on the opposite page (see No. 6).
Owner cost is a Rating of the five-year projected cost to own a
vehicle, including depreciation, interest, insurance, sales tax, fuel, and
maintenance/repair.
Owner satisfaction comes from our annual survey in which we asked
owners if they would definitely buy or lease their particular vehicle again.
Accident avoidance reflects how capable a vehicle is in helping
you avoid an accident, based on our tests of emergency handling, brak-
ing, acceleration, and, to a lesser extent, driving position, visibility, and
seat comfort.
Fuel economy is a Rating that comes from our real-world test
measurements based on city and highway driving.
"NA" means data are not available.
"New" means we have no data because
the model is new or redesigned.
MODEL-LINE INFORMATION Q
Price, body styles, trim lines, and drivetrains
Base price is the range of base prices for all versions of the
model. The base price is the manufacturer's suggested retail
price (MSRP) without options or destination charge. An "E"
indicates the price is estimated.
Models often come in various body styles (sedan,
wagon, etc.) and trim lines, which are versions that differ
mainly in standard eguipment, available options, and price.
A dash (-) means that only one trim line was available.
Pickup trucks are listed by available cab configurations.
Drive wheels tells you if the model is available with
front-, rear-, all-wheel drive (AWD), or four-wheel drive
(4WD). It also shows the type of 4WD system. Seating
is the maximum number of passengers who can be accom-
modated in the front, rear, and third-row (if any) seats. Some
models are available with different seating configurations;
this figure is for the version with the most passenger
capacity. Engines and transmissions show the choices
of drivetrain components.
ROAD-TEST SCORE O
The overall score shows you how a tested vehicle performed
overall in Consumer Reports' comprehensive test program.
It is based on the results from more than 50 individual tests
and evaluations, including performance, comfort and conve-
nience, fuel economy, and more.
For each tested model, you can easily see how its overall
score compares with the highest- and lowest-rated vehicles
in its category. See the Ratings, starting on page 76, for the
overall scores for all tested vehicles. The Tested Model gives
the specific information for the vehicle we tested, including
model year, trim line, body style, engine, and transmission.
96 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
FACTS & FIGURES Q
Exterior dimensions are the basic measurements for the
vehicles. Length is the vehicle's size from bumper to bumper.
Width is the measurement from the outermost side of one fender
to the other side of the vehicle. Height is the measurement from
the top of the inside door frame down to the ground. Wheelbase
is the distance from the center of the front wheel to the center
of the rear. Weight and % weight front/rear are usually measured
on our scales. Some data come from manufacturers.
Max load includes both the occupants and luggage and is
specified by the manufacturer or calculated from the difference
between the manufacturer's specified gross vehicle weight and
our tested vehicle weight. Cargo volume for minivans, SUVs, and
wagons is the maximum usable cargo volume with rear seats folded
down or removed. CR measures this using an expandable pipe-frame
box that's adjusted to fit the cargo area. Data for models with a trunk
come from government figures. No volume is given for pickup trucks
because there is no height limit. Towing capacity is the maximum
weight our test vehicle can pull on a trailer or a typical weight.
Fuel gives the recommended types (regular, premium, or diesel)
for all the models' engines. ERA are the city and highway mileage
figures issued by the Environmental Protection Agency for the tested
engine or a typical engine.
RELIABILITY HISTORY Q
These charts are based on about 1.1 million responses to our most
recent Annual Auto Survey. Consumer Reports subscribers reported on
any problems they had with their vehicles during the previous 12
months, considered serious because of cost, failure, safety, or down-
time, in any of the trouble spots included in the table below.
The scores in the charts are based on the percentage of respon-
dents who reported problems in each of the 17 trouble spots. Because
high-mileage cars tend to encounter more problems than low-mileage
cars, problem rates are standardized to minimize differences due to
mileage. The 2014 models were generally less than six months old at
the time of the survey, with an average of about 3,000 miles.
HOW TO READ THE CHARTS
To check on the reliability history of a particular year's model, start with
the Used Car Verdict. This score shows whether the model had more
or fewer problems overall than the average model of that year, calculated
from the total number of problems reported by subscribers in all trouble
spots. Because problems with the engine major, engine cooling, trans-
mission major, and drive system can be serious and expensive to repair,
our calculations give extra weight to problems in those areas.
To see how a 2015 model on sale is likely to hold up, look at the
New Car Prediction at the bottom of each chart. For this Rating,
we averaged a model's Used Car Verdict for the newest three years,
provided the vehicle did not change significantly in that time and
hasn't been redesigned for 2015. We have found that several model
years' data are a better predictor than the single most recent model
year. One or two years' data may be used if the model was redesigned
in 2014 or 2013, or if there were insufficient data for more years.
Sometimes we include a prediction for a model that is new or has
been redesigned, provided its reliability history and the manufacturer's
track record have remained consistently above average.
To see a model's individual strengths and weaknesses, look at the
individual scores for each of the 17 Trouble Spots. The chart at the
left shows the average problem rates
for all models in the survey in each
trouble spot. Scores for each chart
are based on the percentage of survey
respondents who reported problems
for that trouble spot, compared with
the average model of that year.
Models that score a • are not
necessarily unreliable, but have
a higher rate of problems than the
average model. Similarly, models that
score a O are not necessarily problem-
free, but had relatively few problems
compared with other models.
Because problem rates in some
trouble spots are very low, we do not
assign a • or a © unless the model's
problem rate exceeds 3 percent. If
a problem rate is below 2 or 1 percent
Average Problem Rates
09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major 3
Engine Minor 7
Engine Cooling 5
Trans. Major 3
Trans. Minor 3
Drive System 5
Fuel System 8
Electrical 7
Climate System 7
Suspension 9
Brakes 11
Exhaust 3
Paint/Trim 7
Body Integrity 7
Body Hardware 10
Power Equip. 6
Audio System 4
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
KEY TO RELIABILITY RATINGS
0 9 0 0*
Better ► Worse
it will be assigned a © or a O respectively. In the charts, a model year
in red identifies the year of a major redesign or the first year of intro-
duction. Model years with insufficient data are noted with a column
of asterisks (*).
WHAT THE TROUBLE SPOTS INCLUDE
> Engine, major: Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head
gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.
> Engine, minor: Oil leaks, accessory belts and pulleys, engine mounts,
engine knock or ping.
> Engine, cooling: Radiator, cooling fan, antifreeze leaks, water pump,
thermostat, overheating.
> Transmission, major: Transmission rebuild or replacement, torgue
converter, premature clutch replacement.
> Transmission, minor: Gear selector or linkage, coolers and lines,
rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks, transmission computer,
transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, hydraulics (clutch
master or slave cylinder).
> Drive system: Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case,
4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic
stability control (ESC), electrical failure.
> Fuel system: Check engine light, sensors (includes 02 or oxygen
sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer,
fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks,
stalling or hesitation.
> Electrical: Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems,
regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, elec-
tronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.
> Climate system: Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser,
evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant
leakage, electrical failure.
> Suspension: Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings,
alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering
(pumps & hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings,
electronic or air suspension.
> Brakes: Premature wear, pulsation or vibration, sgueaking, master
cylinder, calipers, rotors, antilock brake system (ABS), parking brake,
brake failure.
> Exhaust: Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, leaks.
> Paint/trim: Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, peeling), loose trim
or moldings, rust.
> Body integrity: Sgueaks or rattles, seals, and/or weather stripping,
air or water leaks, wind noise.
> Body hardware: Windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk,
doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof,
convertible top, glass defect.
> Power equipment and accessories: Cruise control, clock, warning
lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire
pressure monitor, interior or exterior light, horn, gauges, 12V power
plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system.
> Audio system: Audio systems, entertainment systems, navigation
system, backup camera/sensors, communication system.
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 97
A VEHICLE PROFILES
Acura I LX
A Cura’s luxury compact shares some parts with the Honda Civic.
But it has different suspension tuning and a fancier interior. The
base 2.0-liter four-cylinder is mated to a five-speed manual, a combi-
nation that works well. An optional, stronger 2.4-liter four-cylinder uses
a six-speed manual. Handling is sound, but the ride is choppy and
road noise is pronounced, undermining its “affordable luxury” promise.
There is a lot of standard gear, including heated front seats and a rear-
view camera. Reliability has been above average but the ILX scores
too low to be recommended. In addition, its owner-satisfaction score
in our survey is low. A freshening is due in spring 2015.
Acura MDX
T he Acura MDX is an easy SUV to live with. It’s comfortable, quick,
and quieter than its predecessors. It offers generous space for
seven, as long as the third-row occupants aren’t too big. The clever
button for folding the second-row forward is simple and ought to be
an industry standard. However, the touchscreen makes many controls
more complicated. The 3.5-liter V6 and six-speed transmission are
smooth, silky, and provide competitive acceleration. We measured an
excellent 20 mpg overall. A lane-keeping assist and forward-collision
avoidance systems are available. The front-wheel drive version brings
even better fuel economy and a lower price.
Sedans P F G VG E [
0 1001
Tested model: 2013 2.0 L sedan,
2.0-liter 4-cyl., 5-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $27,050-$31,750
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.0 L, 2.4 L
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (150 hp);
2.4-liter 4 (201 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 5-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 179
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 2,870
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/35
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Acura ILX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
ee
Drive System
ee
Fuel System
ee
Electrical
©e
Climate System
©e
Suspension
eo
Brakes
ee
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
©e
Body Integrity
e«
Body Hardware
oe
Power equip.
ee
Audio System
©e
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©e
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
Base price: $42,565-$56,780
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Tech,
Advance
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (290 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 194
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,290
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,175
Cargo volume, cu.ft 34.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 18/27
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Acura MDX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©©ee©eeeee
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
©o©©©©©eee
Fuel System
Electrical
©ooo©©oeee
Climate System
3
o
c
o
€
e
e
e
e
e
Suspension
©©o©©©©©ee
Brakes
©o©©©©o©ee
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©o©ee©©e©e
Body Integrity
©©oo©©oooo
Body Hardware
€
o
c
o
c
o
c
o
c
o
Power equip.
©©oo©e©eee
Audio System
©eeee©©o©o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©©©©e©e©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
98 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Acura RDX
Acura RLX
RecommencSed
erived from the Honda CR-V, the RDX is a major improvement
over its stiff-riding and unrefined predecessor. Styling, handling,
and interior quality are unexceptional, but the RDX is well equipped
for the price. The smooth and capable 273-hp V6 and six-speed
automatic returned a respectable 22 mpg overall. Handling is sound
but not especially agile, and the ride is a little stiff. Overall interior
ambience is rather plain-Jane for a supposedly upscale SUV. It lacks
some luxury features found on its competitors, like a heated steering
wheel. Still, the seats are comfortable and the simple, straightforward
controls are much easier to use than in most competing vehicles.
A ccra’s flagship has some good points but falls well short of its
competitors. The ride is jumpy and unsettled, and handling lacks
agility, making the car feel ungainly. Our tested FWD model averaged
23 mpg overall with the slick and responsive 31 0-hp V6 and six-speed
automatic. The hybrid uses additional electric motors to power the
rear wheels and gets a claimed 30 mpg. We didn’t find any benefit
from the all-wheel-steering system. The cabin is spacious and well-
made, with a raft of connectivity features, but the controls are overly
complicated. First year reliability is average, but the RLX is short on
luxury attributes and scores too low to be recommended.
ROAD TEST SCORE
77
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
4-door SUV V6
n
Lowest Rated
Ktl
0
100
Tested model: 2013 4-door SUV
AWD, 3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Tech V6
Lowest Rated
Tested modef: 2014 Tech sedan,
3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $35,095-$40,195
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Tech
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (273 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,850
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 870
Cargo volume, cu.ft 31.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/27
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Acura RDX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
eeeeeeee
eeeeeeee
eoeoeoee
eeeeeeee
©©©©oo©o
•••©eeee
ooo©ooo©
©©©o©oo©
e©©©eeee
©o©©o©o©
oo©©©oo©
©e©eeeee
•©©©©o©©
©o©ooooo
Average O
Base price: $48,450-$60,450
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, NAV, Tech,
Krell, Advance, Hybrid
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (310 hp);
3.5-liter V6 hybrid (377 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,930
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 20/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
e
e
e
e
e
e
e
©
e
©
e
e
©
o
©
©
©
©©★o**** o
Average O
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Acura RL, RLX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13
Engine Major
©0*0****
Engine Minor
©©*o****
Engine Cooling
00*0****
Trans. Major
00*0****
Trans. Minor
oo*©****
Drive System
o©*©****
Fuel System
00*0****
Electrical
00*0****
Climate System OQicO'kicic'k
Suspension
©©*o****
Brakes
©o*©****
Exhaust
00*0****
Paint/Trim
00*0****
Body Integrity
00*0****
Body Hardware ©©★©★★★tIc
Power equip.
©o*©****
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 99
A VEHICLE PROFILES
he new TLX fills a hole in the Acura lineup created by the
discontinuation of the TSX and TL. There are two powertrain
choices: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed dual-clutch
automatic transmission, or a 3.5-liter V6 with a nine-speed auto-
matic. Front- or all-wheel drive is available. Despite additional
insulation and an active noise cancellation system, the TLX is
still noisier than its competitors. Its generous roster of advanced
safety systems includes front-collision warning and avoidance, lane
departure warning, lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-
spot monitors.
A udi’s A3 is a compelling entry-level luxury car, although it lacks
some key features for its price. It is a solid, quiet, and nicely
finished sedan, with a drum-tight body structure. The firm and
controlled ride makes it enjoyable to drive. Base FWD models come
with a 1 .8-liter engine, which delivered a respectable 27 mpg in our
tests. All-wheel-drive cars have a stronger, but less efficient, 2.0-liter
engine. Major gripes include complicated controls and a very tight
rear seat. A sporty S3 with a 292-hp 2.0-liter turbo, a 2.0-liter diesel,
and convertible have been added, and a FWD hatchback will be
available with diesel and hybrid powertrains in 2015.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $30,995-$44,700
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.4L, V6, SH-AWD
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (206 hp);
3.5-liter V6 (290 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
sequential; 9-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Acura TLX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,480
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 21/31
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
Base price: $29,900-$47,050
Body styles: convertible;
sedan
Trim lines: Premium, Premium
Plus, Prestige, 2.0 TDI, S3
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbodie-
sel (150 hp); 1.8-liter 4 turbo
(170 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(220 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(292 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 175
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,135
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,100
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/35
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Audi A3
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
100 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Audi A5
Audi A4
T he A4 sports sedan has a solid, high-quality feel and top-grade
interior appointments. Agile handling makes it fun to drive, and
the firm ride is supple and controlled. The 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder
engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic. This contributed to a
very respectable 25 mpg overall in our tests even with the optional
all-wheel drive. FWD versions use a CVT automatic. Tight rear seating
and complex controls are demerits. The high-performance S4 sedan
comes with a 333-hp, supercharged V6. A blind-spot detection system
is available for 201 5. We can no longer recommend the A4 because it
scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
B Recommended
T he A5 coupe and convertible have quiet, luxurious cabins with
room for four. Although the rear seat is snug, it’s one of the best
in any convertible. The car drives well, with agile handling and a taut,
yet compliant suspension. The standard 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder
delivers ample power but sounds raspy; the eight-speed automatic
is super-smooth. The convertible has a shudder-free body structure
that is almost devoid of wind buffeting, and the well-insulated soft
top can be operated while driving at low speeds. The S5 uses the
supercharged V6 and seven-speed automated manual. The high per-
formance RS 5 boasts a 450-hp, 4.2-liter V8 and is a delight to drive.
' Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Premium 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2011 Premium sedan
AWD, 2.0-iiter 4-cyl. turbo, 8-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $35,500-$54,300
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.0T, S4 3.0T
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(220 hp); 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (333 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
CVT; 8-speed automatic
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
••ooQoeeee
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 185
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,665
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,060
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/29
Climate System
O
©
e
o
©
©
e
e
©
e
Suspension
©
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©
©
©
©
©
©
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©
Brakes
©
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©
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©
©
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©
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Exhaust
o
o
o
Paint/Trim
©
©
©
©
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©
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e
e
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Body Integrity
©
©
©
©
©
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©
©
©
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Body Hardware
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©
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©
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Audio System
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•
USED CAR
VERDICTS
•
©
o
o
•
•
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©
INL.VY n A
PREDICTION Better than average ©
Base price: $40,000-$79,200
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: 2.0T, S5 3.0T, RS
5 4.2
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (220
hp); 3.0-liter V6 supercharged
(333 hp); 4.2-liter V8 (450 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
CVT; 6-speed automatic;
8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 4,050
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 880
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Audi A5
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
-*'-*'••©00
Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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Drive System
Fuel System
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Body Hardware
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Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
**•©000
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 101
VEHICLE PROFILES
Audi A6
Audi A7
T he A6 is quick and effortless, thanks to the smooth and refined
3.0-liter supercharged V6, yet it returned a respectable 22 mpg overall
in our tests. The base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo. While AWD
versions get the super-smooth eight-speed automatic, front-drive cars
use a CVT. The A6 rides comfortably, and handling is agile and secure.
The cabin is hushed, and the seats and interior quality are top-notch.
Some controls are complicated. Standard features on 3.0T and higher
trims include a touchpad for inputting radio and navigation commands.
A 3.0-liter diesel V6 is available. Reliability of the V6 supercharged and
diesel models has been average; the four-cylinder is above average.
T he A7 is a stylish, coupe-like hatchback version of the A6 that
sacrifices some comfort, access, rear seat room, and visibility
for sportiness. The 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 is smooth and deliv-
ers effortless power, while the new diesel is impressively subdued
and powerful, yet returned 28 mpg overall. The ride, especially with
the 20-inch wheels, may be overly firm. The interior is very luxuri-
ous, but the controls take some familiarity. Audi’s standard navigation
system includes a touchpad for destination entry. A WiFi hotspot is
also offered. A sportier S7 with a 4.0-liter turbo V8 and a higher-per-
formance RS 7 with a 560-hp V8 are offered. A blind-spot detection
system is newly standard for 2015. Reliability has been average.
Base price: $44,800-$75,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.0T, 3.0T, 3.0 TDI,
S6 4.0T
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(220 hp); 3.0-liter V6 tur-
bodiesel (240 hp); 3.0-liter
V6 supercharged (310 hp);
4.0-liter V8 turbo (420 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; CVT; 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 194
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,075
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,100
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/28
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Audi A6 (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
*©00**0000
Engine Minor
*©©©**©©00
Engine Cooling
*©oo**©ooo
Trans. Major
*000**0000
Trans. Minor
*oo©**©ooo
Drive System
*000**0000
Fuel System
*o©©**©ooo
Electrical
*o©©**oooo
Climate System ★0©©**0000
Suspension
*o©o**o©o©
Brakes
*ooo**©oo©
Exhaust
*©00**0000
Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
*©o©**o©oo
Body Hardware
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Power equip.
*©o©**©o©o
Audio System
*©oo**©oo©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $65,900-$106,500
Body styles: 4-door hatch-
back
Trim lines: 3.0T, 3.0 TDI, S7, RS 7
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Audi A7 (diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 tur-
Engine Major
Engine Minor
e
e
bodiesel (240 hp); 3.0-liter
V6 supercharged (310 hp);
4.0-liter V8 turbo (420 hp);
4.0-liter V8 turbo (560 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
e
e
Trans. Minor
Drive System
e
e
sequential; 8-speed automatic
Fuel System
©
Electrical
e
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 56
Climate System
Suspension
e
e
Brakes
Exhaust
e
e
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,235
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,100
Cargo volume, cu.ft 25.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/38
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
e
e
Body Hardware
Power equip.
e
e
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o
o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
102 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Audi A8
A udi’s flagship provides smooth and effortless acceleration, yet
attains commendable fuel economy even with all-wheel drive.
The car handles crisply and holds the road tenaciously, making it one
of the sportiest luxury sedans we’ve tested. Expect a ride that’s firm
yet supple. Interior ambience, quality of materials, and craftsmanship
are all top-notch. The exceptionally comfortable and supportive front
seats have a variety of massage settings. The controls are overly
complicated and the trunk is small for a car this size. A 3.0-liter,
supercharged V6 is the base engine and the S8 gets a 520-hp, turbo
V8. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel is new. The A8 has been freshened for 2015.
Audi Alfroad
T he Allroad provides rugged styling details and extra ground
clearance for an SUV-like appearance with light off-road capa-
bilities. Agile handling makes it fun to drive and the cabin is quiet
and very well finished. A spunky, turbocharged four-cylinder engine,
matched with a slick eight-speed automatic, provides decent accel-
eration. Its 22 mpg overall is competitive with the best small SUVs.
Changes for 2015 include a standard power-operated liftgate. As
nice as the Allroad is, Audi’s Q5 SUV has the same powertrain,
costs less, offers more rear-seat room and cargo space, and has a
greater towing capacity. Reliability has been well above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
82
Wagons/ ^ c
hatchbacks ^ ^
G VG E
Highest Rated
■ES
Premium 4
Lowest Rated *34
0
100
Tested model: 2013 Premium wagon
AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 8-speed
1 automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION ©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY O
Base price: $77,400-$137,900
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 3.0T, 4.0T, 3.0 TDI,
SB 4.0T, W12 6.3
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbod-
iesel (240 hp); 3.0-liter V6
supercharged (333 hp); 4.0-liter
V8 turbo (435 hp); 6.3-liter V12
(500 hp); 4.0-liter V8 turbo
(520 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 207
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 123
Weight (lb.) 4,420
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,100
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 18/29
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Audi A8
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $42,400-$49,800
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: Premium, Premium
Plus, Prestige
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(220 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 186
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 3,875
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,125
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 28.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . . 1,100
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/27
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Audi Allroad
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14
Engine Major
*
e ic
Engine Minor
★
o ★
Engine Cooling
*
o ★
Trans. Major
*
e ic
Trans. Minor
*
o ★
Drive System
*
o ★
Fuel System
*
e ic
Electrical
★
o ★
Climate System ★
o ★
Suspension
*
o *
Brakes
*
© *
Exhaust
*
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Paint/Trim
*
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Body Integrity
★
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Body Hardware
*
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Power eguip.
*
e ic
Audio System
*
o ★
USED CAR
VERDICTS
★
e ic
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average
e
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 103
A VEHICLE PROFILES
Audi 03
A udi is following the BMW X1, Buick Encore, and Mercedes-
Benz GLA by introducing its own compact luxury SUV. Now on
sale in North America, the Q3 is primarily based on the Volkswa-
gen Tiguan, as well as components from other VW platforms. It is
roughly 10 inches shorter than the Q5 SUV. The standard engine
is the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder, mated
to a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. Front- and
all-wheel drive versions are available. A 140-hp, 2.0-liter turbodiesel
four-cylinder will be offered at a later date.
Audi Q5
S tylish and sporty, the Q5 is one of the better compact luxury SUVs.
It’s almost as much fun to drive as a sports sedan, with a steady
and composed, if rather firm, ride. Its punchy, turbocharged four-cylin-
der engine and eight-speed automatic racked up a commendable 21
mpg overall. The four-cylinder got a modest horsepower boost for 2014,
but we far prefer the 3.0-liter, supercharged V6 upgrade. A hybrid is also
available. The cabin is plush and quiet, with very comfortable seats, but
rear-seat and cargo space are modest. A 3.0-liter V6 diesel and an SQ5
with a 354-hp turbo V6 are new. Reliability of the 2.0T version has been
average, while the V6 and diesel versions were above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $32,500-$36,400
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Premium Plus,
Prestige
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(200 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 173
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 63
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,495
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.) NA
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
Base price: $38,900-$60,200
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 2.0T, Hybrid, 3.0T,
3.0 TDI, SQ5
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (220
hp); 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel
(240 hp); 2.0-liter 4 hybrid
(245 hp); 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (272 hp); 3.0-liter V6
supercharged (354 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,190
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,045
Cargo volume, cu.ft 32.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .4,410
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Audi Q5 (4-cyl.)
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
• eee
Engine Minor
• eee
Engine Cooling
eeee
Trans. Major
eeee
Trans. Minor
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Drive System
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Fuel System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
104 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Audi 07
A udi’s luxury SUV is roomy and nicely finished inside. The
standard powertrain is a supercharged V6 paired with an eight-
speed automatic. A more frugal 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel version
is also offered. It is relatively refined and delivers a long cruising
range. Handling is fairly nimble, but the Q7 doesn’t shine at its
limits. The ride is steady, though it’s rather stiff at low speeds.
Front-seat comfort is excellent, interior fit and finish is impressive,
and the cabin is quiet. But the MMI driver-interaction system and
associated controls are complex. A very snug third-row seat is
standard. A redesigned Q7 will debut soon.
Audi TT
T he TT is enjoyable to drive, but isn’t as agile or engaging as a
Porsche Boxster or Mercedes-Benz SLK. Handling is respon-
sive and the ride isn’t too punishing, but a lot of noise comes
through the soft top. It is, however, very convenient to be able
to operate the top at speeds up to 30 mph. The interior is nicely
finished, with stylish details. Power comes from a punchy, 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder. All TTs get the S-tronic automated
manual, which works well and delivers quick, direct-feeling shifts.
The manual-only RS trim has been dropped. The coupe has two
small rear seats, while the convertible is strictly a two-seater.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $47,700-$64,900
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 3.0T, 3.0 TDI
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 tur-
bodiesel (240 hp); 3.0-liter
V6 supercharged (280 hp);
3.0-liter V6 supercharged
(333 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 200
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 118
Weight (lb.) 5,260
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,280
Cargo volume, cu.ft 37.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,600
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Audi Q7
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
* *•*■•*■★•*■© o
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $40,350-$51,700
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: 2.0T, TTS 2.0T
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (211
hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (265 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
seguential
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 165
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) 97
Weight (lb.) 3,305
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 550
Cargo volume, cu.ft 9.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 23/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Audi TT
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 105
B VEHICLE PROFILES
BMW 2 Series
T he small 2 Series coupe has razor-sharp handling and a sense
of immediacy that is unlike other recent BMWs, which seem to
focus more on luxury and comfort. The 228i comes with a 240-hp
2.0-liter four-cylinder while the up-level M235i we tested has a strong
and silky smooth 320-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder. Transmission
choices are a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The
excellent front seats are surrounded with ample space, but the rear
seats are very cramped. Interior appointments are first rate but the
iDrive unified control system remains a bit of a pain to learn and use.
All-wheel drive is new for 2015. A convertible will follow soon.
BMW 3 Series
T he 3 Series is excellent, with commendable ride comfort, noise
isolation, and fit and finish. The turbo four-cylinder makes the
328i quick, yet returns a frugal 28 mpg overall. The uplevel 335i uses
a smooth and punchy turbo six-cylinder. Handling is very capable,
but steering feel is less sharp than before. The diesel 328d gets an
impressive 35 mpg overall. A hybrid, an AWD wagon and a less-
powerful 320i version are available. The AWD Gran Turismo is a stylish
hatchback version. The M3 ultra high-performance version can give
Porsches and Corvettes a run for their money. Reliability of the RWD
328i has dropped to below average, the other versions are average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
98
Sporty cars P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
M235i 6
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2014 M235i coupe,
3.0-liter 6-cyl. turbo, 6-speed manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
I REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $32,100-$44,900
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: 2281, M235i
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp): 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(320 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 175
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,450
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 805
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/28
I RELIABILITY HISTORY 1
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW 2 Series
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $32,750-$62,000
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan; wagon
Trim lines: 320i, 328i, 328d,
335i, Hybrid, M3
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbodiesel
(180 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (180
hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (240 hp);
3.0-liter 6 turbo (300, 425
hp); 3.0-liter 6 hybrid (335 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 183
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,705
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 17.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 31/43
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
BMW 335d, 328d
(diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
■kicQ e
*★© o
Engine Cooling
★ ★ o
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
o
Drive System
★ ★ o
Fuel System
O
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
**©
Exhaust
**©
Paint/Trim
**©
Body Integrity
*★©
Body Hardware
**©
o
Power equip.
e
Audio System
©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average
o
106 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
B
BMW 4 Series
BMW 5 Series
T he 4 Series coupe and convertible pack in the style, luxury, and
exclusivity. This plush and comfortable line is lower and wider
than its 3 Series sedan brethren. It is more of gentlemans touring
coupe than a hard-core sports car, yet they’re quite capable. Han-
dling is taut, the ride is steady and compliant, and the interior is
plush. The rear seat is relatively spacious. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder
turbo is sparing with fuel; the 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbo is super
smooth with effortless go. All-wheel drive is optional. The M4 is an
ultra high-performance version, while the Gran Coupe is a four-door
with a rear hatchback. First year reliability has been above average.
he 535i is refined and fuel efficient. In our tests, the turbo-
charged six-cylinder engine delivered smooth and strong accel-
eration, and its eight-speed automatic shifted imperceptibly. At 23
mpg overall, fuel economy is commendable for such a substantial
sedan. While the ride is impressive, handling is disappointing. This
is mainly because of the car’s vague steering and pronounced
understeer at its limits. Interior fit and finish is excellent, but some
controls are overcomplicated. Hybrid and diesel models are avail-
able. The top-level M5 puts out 560 hp from its 4.4-liter turbo-
charged V8. Reliability of all versions has been average or better.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
' OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
L.
NA
Base price: $40,300-$74,500
Body styles: convertible;
coupe; 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: 428i, 435i, M4
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(425 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
8-speed automatic
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 183
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,470
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .21/33
Electrical
e
Climate System
e
Suspension
e
Brakes
e
Exhaust
e
Paint/Trim
e
Body Integrity
e
Body Hardware
e
Power equip.
o
Audio System
o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $49,750-$93,600
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive,
535d, Hybrid, 550i, 550i xDrive, M5
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0L 4 turbo (240 hp);
3.0L 6 turbodiesel (255 hp);
3.0L 6 turbo (300 hp); 3.0-liter
6 hybrid (335 hp); 4.4L V8
turbo (445, 560 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 193
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 117
Weight (lb.) 4,035
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,060
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW 5 Series
(6-cyl., turbo)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
• :ic«eeee
Engine Minor
• ■kmoooo
Engine Cooling
• i^eoooo
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
0-k09000
Drive System
©*©o©oo
Fuel System
• ^icoooee
Electrical
• ■km&ooo
Climate System
o*o©©©o
Suspension
o*o©ooo
Brakes
©*ooooo
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
e^icooeoe
Body Integrity
©*o©©©o
Body Hardware
©*©©©©©
Power eguip.
©*©©o©o
Audio System
•*o©©oo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
•*©ooo©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 107
B VEHICLE PROFILES
B ased on the 5 Series, this grand tourer comes as a two-door
coupe or convertible, as well as the four-door Gran Coupe.
Power comes from a 3.0-liter, turbo six-cylinder or a 4.4-liter V8,
mated to either an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual.
The V8 delivers ferocious acceleration and an invigorating exhaust
note. Handling is much sharper than the 5 Series, making the big
coupe more of a driver’s car than its predecessor. The M version
is even more performance oriented. The manual transmission is
unusual for this class and works very well, making this car very fast,
capable and enjoyable on the track. All-wheel drive is available.
T hough comfortable and laden with technology, the 7 Series isn’t
the crisp, sporty luxury car it once was. Handling lacks agility,
and the long-wheelbase 750Li we tested didn’t shine at its limits.
The ride is steady and supple but not that cushy. The turbocharged
V8 is smooth, refined, and punchy. Many controls are complex and
frustrating to use. On the plus side, the roomy cabin is super-quiet
and impeccably finished, and seat comfort is stellar. All-wheel drive is
available, as are hybrid, six- and twelve-cylinder versions, and a new
255-hp diesel model with standard all-wheel drive. Reliability has been
average but the 7 Series scored too low in our tests to recommend.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $76,100-$118,200
Body styles: convertible;
coupe; sedan
Trim lines: 6401, 6401 xDrive,
6501, 6501 xDrive, M6
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter 6 turbo (315
hp); 4.4-liter V8 turbo (445,
560 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 193
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 4,355
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 770
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 14/22
f RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW 6 Series
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $74,000-$141,200
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li,
Hybrid, 740Ld, Alpina 87, 760Li
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter 6 turbodiesel
(255 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo (315
hp); 3.0-liter 6 hybrid (350 hp);
4.4-liter V8 turbo (445 hp);
6.0-liter V12 turbo (535 hp);
4.4-liter V8 turbo (540 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 205
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 126
Weight (lb.) 4,600
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,060
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 14/22
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW 7 Series
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
★ ★★★★★★©★'A'
Trans. Minor
★ ★★★★★★©★'A'
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
108 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
B
BMW XI
BMWX3
he least-expensive BMW is a compact, five-seat SUV that slots
below the X3. The base 240-hp, turbocharged four-cylinder,
mated to an eight-speed automatic, provides quick acceleration,
and is available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The 3.0-liter, 300-hp
turbocharged six-cylinder gets a six-speed automatic. Based on
the previous-generation 3 Series, the X1 is quite sporty to drive,
but ride comfort is on the stiff side and the otherwise sharp and
communicative steering feels heavy at low speeds. Noise isolation
and interior quality are a notch below BMW’s high standards, but
still good. Reliability has been average.
T he X3 is one of the best compact upscale SUVs. Its taut ride is
composed, but the body tends to rock side-to-side on uneven
pavement. Handling is agile and secure. The 2.0-liter, turbo four-
cylinder returned a very good 23 mpg overall and the eight-speed
automatic shifts seamlessly. But the X3 falls a bit short on refinement,
with a diesel-like sound at times. The cabin is beautifully finished and
comfortable, with firm and supportive seats up front. The rear seat is
roomy, but the cushion is a bit low. Some controls are overly compli-
cated. Reliability has been average. The X3 gets a 2015 freshening,
adding a 2.0-liter diesel and a rear-wheel drive version.
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
xDrive28i 4
Lowest Rated Q]
0 100
Tested model: 2013 xDrive28i 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo,
8-speed automatic
Base price: $30,900-$38,800
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: sDrive28i,
xDrive28i, xDrive35i
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 175
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 61
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,780
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 26.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/33
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE BMW XI
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
ee
Drive System
ee
Fuel System
©e
Electrical
©e
Climate System
ee
Suspension
ee
Brakes
o©
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
ee
Body Integrity
o©
Body Hardware
oe
Power equip.
©e
Audio System
©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
xDrive28i 4
Lowest Rated E]
0 100
Tested model: 2013 xDrive28i 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo,
8-speed automatic
Base price: $38,400-$45,100
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: sDrive28i,
xDrive28i, xDrive28d,
xDrive35i
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbodie-
sel (180 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 183
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,135
% weight front/rear . . .49/51
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,000
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/28
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW X3 (4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
e e
Engine Minor
© e
Engine Cooling
e e
Trans. Major
e e
Trans. Minor
e e
Drive System
e e
Fuel System
© e
Electrical
© e
Climate System
© e
Suspension
e e
Brakes
o e
Exhaust
e e
Paint/Trim
© e
Body Integrity
e e
Body Hardware
o e
Power equip.
© e
Audio System
o o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o ©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 109
B VEHICLE PROFILES
T he X4 is a coupe-like variant of the X3 that emphasizes sport
over utility. Front and rear seats are lowered to keep passen-
gers’ heads from rubbing on the low roof. In the process, the cargo
space shrinks considerably. All-wheel drive is standard. Engine
choices are a 240-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four cylinder and a 300-hp,
3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder. Both are mated to an eight-speed auto-
matic transmission. The X4 is agile, rides tautly, and has a beauti-
fully trimmed cabin. The optional 19-inch tires make the ride a bit
too jiggly. The 3.0-liter turbo in the 35i trim is particularly smooth
and powerful.
BMW X5
Q Recommended
T he third generation X5 traded some steering feel and sporty
handling for a refined driving experience. The 3.0-liter turbo
six-cylinder, paired to a silky-smooth eight-speed automatic, delivers
effortless acceleration. It averaged a pretty good 21 mpg overall in our
tests. The interior is quiet and impeccably finished, but the optional
third-row seat is tiny. BMW’s IDrive control system has been improved,
but remains complex, and the electronic shifter is unintuitive. Safety
systems are comprehensive, but a rear camera is optional. A 4.4-liter
V8, a 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel, and a rear-wheel-drive version are
also available. Reliability of the redesign has been average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs
Highest Rated
xDrive35i 6
Lowest Rated
0 100
' Tested modef: 2014 xDrive35i 4-door
SUV AWD, 3.0-liter 6-cyl. turbo,
8-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $44,700-$48,000
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: xDrive28i,
xDrive35i
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,130
% weight front/rear . . .49/51
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,000
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
f RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW X4
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NO
Fuel System
Electrical
DATA
Climate System
Suspension
NEW
Brakes
Exhaust
MODEL
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $53,200-$69,100
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: sDrive35i,
xDrive35i, xDrive35d,
xDriveSOi
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.0-liter 6 turbodie-
sel (255 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp); 4.4-liter V8 turbo
(445 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW X5 (6-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
******©ooo
Engine Minor
******©ooo
Engine Cooling
******©ooo
Trans. Major
★★★★★★oooo
Trans. Minor
******©o©o
Drive System
★★★★★★oooo
Fuel System
★★★★★★©©©o
Electrical
★★★★★★©ooo
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 69
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 4,745
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,345
Cargo volume, cu.ft 34.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,000
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/27
Climate System ★ ★
Suspension ★ ★
Brakes ★ ic
Exhaust ★ ★
Paint/Trim ★ ★
Body Integrity ★ -k
Body Hardware ★ ★
Power equip. ★ k
Audio System k k
kkkkmCiCiO
kkkkQOOO
★★★★oooo
****©ooo
****©©©o
****o©©o
****©©oo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
110 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
B
BMWX6
T he redesigned X6 is a coupe-like sporty SUV based on the X5.
That’s a good place to start, as the X5 is one of the smoothest,
most capable SUVs we’ve tested. While it’s similar to the X5, the
styling severely hurts rear visibility, cabin access, and cargo room.
More than just a new body, however, the X6 is sportier than the X5,
with better handling and a slightly stiffer ride. Most versions are
powered by a 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder, which returned
21 mpg overall in our tested X5. A 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 is also
offered. The AWD system can vary the torque from side to side,
minimizing understeer. A rear-wheel drive version is new.
BMW Z4
T he Z4 looks sharp but is unimpressive as a sports car. Handling
is capable and secure, but the Z4’s fun factor is undermined
by vague steering, a penchant to understeer, and a jittery ride. Its
2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is powerful and returned an
impressive 28 mpg overall, but it has a diesel-like clatter at idle.
The retractable hardtop keeps the cabin fairly quiet. The well-
finished cabin is very snug. The six-speed manual is precise but
slightly notchy; an eight-speed automatic is optional, as are power-
ful six-cylinder engines with a seven-speed sequential transmission.
REPORT CARD
1 PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
1
NA
1 REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $59,600-$72,900
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: sDrive35i,
xDrive35i, xDriveSOi
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-iiter 6 turbo
(300 hp); 4.4-iiter V8 turbo
(445 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 4,895
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. ioad (ib.) 935
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (Ib.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/27
[ RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
BMW X6
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NO
Fuel System
Electrical
DATA
Climate System
Suspension
NEW
Brakes
Exhaust
MODEL
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $48,950-$65,800
Body styles: convertible
Trim lines: sDrive28i,
sDrive35i, sDrive35is
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(335 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 167
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 96
Weight (Ib.) 3,240
% weight front/rear . . 47/53
Cargo measurement
Max. load (Ib.) 560
Cargo volume, cu.ft 6.0
Towing capacity (Ib.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/34
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
BMW Z4
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
O©©*******
Engine Minor
©©©★★★★★★★
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
©©©*****★*
Trans. Minor
©©©★★★★★★•A-
Drive System
Fuel System
©©©*****★*
Electrical
o © o **•*■•*■ ** ★
Climate System
Suspension
©©©**•*■**★*
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©©*******
Body Integrity
Body Hardware OOO*******
Power equip.
o©o*******
Audio System
©O©-*"*--*"*--*--*-*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©©•*■•*■**•*■•*■•*■
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 111
B VEHICLE PROFILES
BMW 13
B MW’s i3 was built from the ground up as an electric car. It is a
rear-wheel-drive, four-seat hatchback with a pair of rear-hinged
back doors. The electric drive produces the equivalent of 170 hp.
An optional two-cylinder engine acts as a generator to extend the
range beyond the 72 miles, to about 150 total. Charge times are
about four hours on 240-volt circuit, through the 7.4-kW onboard
charger. The car uses an aluminum frame and carbon fiber struc-
ture to reduce weight. Despite its tall stance the car is very agile.
It feels quick and easy to maneuver. The pronounced deceleration
when lifting off the gas pedal takes some getting used to.
Buick Enclave
T he large Enclave is a contemporary SUV with three rows of seats.
It is a corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Traverse and CMC Aca-
dia, and uses the same 3.6-liter V6 engine and six-speed automatic.
A freshening included improvements to the transmission, ride comfort,
and interior quality. We like the Enclave’s firm, comfortable, and quiet
ride, and found its handling agile and secure. The third-row seat is
roomy enough for adults, which is a big plus. Fit and finish is excel-
lent. A forward collision and lane-departure warning system is avail-
able. Some of the controls are beginning to show the Enclave’s age.
Changes for 2015 include an available heated steering wheel.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
•
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $41,350-$45,200
Body styles: 4-door hatch-
back
Trim lines: Mega, Giga, Tera
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: Electric (170 hp);
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE BMW i3
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
REX - 0.65-liter 2)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System NOT
Fuel System
Electrical ENOUGH
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 157
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 62
Climate System
Suspension DATA
Brakes
Exhaust TO
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 3,140
% weight front/rear . . 45/55
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 650
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 137/111
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR ,,,
PREDICTION
Base price: $39,050-$49,305
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Convenience,
Leather, Premium
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (288 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 202
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 72
Wheelbase (in.) 119
Weight (lb.) 5,100
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,335
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 44.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 4,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 16/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Buick Enclave
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Q09OOOO
0900000
Engine Cooling
0000900
Trans. Major
0090000
Trans. Minor
0009000
Drive System
0009000
Fuel System
ooooooo
Electrical
0099900
Climate System
OOOOOOO
Suspension
0000990
Brakes
OOOOOOO
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
9009900
Body Integrity
0000990
Body Hardware
0000090
Power equip.
0009900
Audio System
0009000
USED CAR
VERDICTS
0000009
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
112 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
B
Buick Encore
T his subcompact premium SUV is derived from the small Chevrolet
Sonic. Smaller than the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, the Encore
boasts a quiet cabin, great maneuverability, and a more comfortable
ride than many SUVs that are larger and score higher overall. But
the little 1 .4-liter turbo four-cylinder and six-speed automatic deliver
leisurely acceleration and just so-so fuel economy. Handling is sound
if unexceptional. The cabin is reasonably well appointed, but feels
narrow and cramped, and the swoopy styling intrudes on the view aft.
A standard built-in WiFi hotspot is new for 201 5. Reliability has been
average but the Encore scored too low to be recommended.
Buick LaCrosse
T he LaCrosse is a competitive large sedan, with a refined and
powerful 3.6-liter V6 that returns 20 mpg overall. The four-cylin-
der eAssist mild hybrid delivers good performance and 26 mpg over-
all, shutting off at idle to save fuel. The ride is steady and supple,
and handling is responsive. The interior is luxurious and well finished,
and rear-seat room is generous. But the exterior styling compromises
visibility fore and aft, and the cockpit is narrow. The interior has
simplified controls and the seats are well-padded and comfortable.
A rear-view camera is standard for 2015. Reliability of the V6 has
improved to average and the four-cylinder is above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Leather 4
Lowest Rated Q]
0 100
Tested model: 2013 Leather 4-door
SUV AWD, 1.4-liter 4-cyl. turbo,
6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Leather 4
Lowest Rated
Tested model: 2012 Leather sedan,
2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
1 REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $24,200-$29,690
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Convenience,
Leather, Premium
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo (138
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 168
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 3,355
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 945
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 26.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 23/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Buick Encore
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
e©
Drive System
ee
Fuel System
oe
Electrical
ee
Climate System
ee
Suspension
ee
Brakes
oe
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
ee
Body Integrity
oe
Body Hardware
©©
Power equip.
ee
Audio System
oo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $33,635-$40,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, Leather,
Premium 1, Premium II
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Buick LaCrosse
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (182 hp);
Engine Major
Engine Minor
★ ★ o o ★
3.6-liter V6 (303 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
★ ★ o o ★
Trans. Minor
**©©•*■
Drive System
★ ★ o o ★
Fuel System
**o©*
Electrical
★ •*■©©★
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 197
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 59
Climate System
Suspension
**o©*
**o©*
Brakes
Exhaust
★ ★ o o ★
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,815
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/36
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
**©©*
★ ★ o © ★
Body Hardware
Power equip.
★ ★ © o ★
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
★ ★ o o ★
**o©*
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 113
B VEHICLE PROFILES
Buick Regal
Buick Verano
T his well-honed and satisfying sports sedan has a European feel.
The Regal has agile handling, quick steering, and a taut, steady
ride. The quiet and nicely furnished interior has firm, supportive seats
and excellent fit and finish, but the rear seat is snug. The 259-hp,
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder produces both good performance and
fuel economy. Controls for the upgraded infotainment system are
mostly simple, and all-wheel-drive is now available on all trim lines.
Our tested Regal was quick, fairly quiet, and delivered 24 mpg over-
all. The optional eAssist mild hybrid enhancement could boost that
to about 29 mpg. A standard built-in WiFi hotspot is new for 2015.
T he Verano is based on the Chevrolet Cruze, but with more sound
insulation and upscale trimmings. Power comes from a 2.4-liter four-
cylinder, but its 24 mpg overall fuel economy is unimpressive for the
class. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder makes the car quick. The
Verano is very quiet but some engine noise is evident. It rides relatively
comfortably and handling is responsive but not that sporty. The interior
is nicely finished, but cramped in the rear. Features such as a heated
steering wheel are nice, but the lack of power recline and adjustable
lumbar support for the driver’s seat is chintzy. A standard built-in WiFi
hotspot is new for 2015. Reliability has been above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
Premium I 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2014 Premium I
sedan, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Leather 4
Lowest Rated
Tested model: 2012 Leather sedan,
2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $29,990-$39,810
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, Premium I,
Premium II, GS
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (182 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (259 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,710
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Buick Regal
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
oo©o
Engine Minor
• eee
Engine Cooling
eeee
Trans. Major
9000
Trans. Minor
eeee
Drive System
eeee
Fuel System
eeoe
Electrical
©ooe
Climate System
©ooo
Suspension
oeee
Brakes
e©oe
Exhaust
eeee
Paint/Trim
oeee
Body Integrity
eeeo
Body Hardware
eo©o
Power equip.
©eee
Audio System
©e©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
eoee
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $23,380-$29,215
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, Convenience,
Leather, Premium
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (180 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (250 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,465
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 880
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 21/32
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Buick Verano
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eee
Engine Minor
eee
Engine Cooling
eee
Trans. Major
eee
Trans. Minor
eee
Drive System
eee
Fuel System
eee
Electrical
eee
Climate System
eoe
Suspension
©ee
Brakes
©©e
Exhaust
eee
Paint/Trim
eee
Body Integrity
eee
Body Hardware
e©e
Power equip.
eee
Audio System
e©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©oe
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
114 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Cadillac ATS
Cadillac CTS
ffered in rear- or all-wheel drive, the ATS has nimble, capable
handling that makes it a treat to drive. Three engines are offered:
a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a 3.6-liter V6, and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder.
The turbo is quick, but doesn’t feel very powerful and got just 23 mpg
overall. The six-speed automatic is a step behind the seven- and eight-
speeds of most competitors. A manual is available. The ride is taut,
and braking is excellent. However, the CUE infotainment system, with
its flush buttons, is very convoluted and frustrating to use. The interior
is well finished but very snug. Coupe versions and a standard built-in
WiFi hotspot are new for the 201 5 models. Reliability of the four-cylinder
turbo has dropped to below average, but the V6 is average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY •
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY O
he CTS is a fun-to-drive luxury sedan that is more BMW than
most BMWs. Eager handling crowns it one of the sportiest in the
class, and the ride is reasonably compliant. But as satisfying as it is
to drive, the CTS is also wildly frustrating. Much of the blame goes
to the overly complex CUE infotainment system controls. Rear-seat
room is snug for this class and the trunk is relatively small. Despite
that the luxurious cabin is comfortable, at least up front. Powertrain
refinement isn’t up to the best in class either, unless you get the high
end Vsport version. A standard built-in WiFi hotspot is new for 2015.
First year reliability of the redesign has been above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $33,215-$51,435
Body styles: coupe; sedan
Trim lines: Standard, Luxury,
Performance, Premium
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (202 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (272 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (321 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 183
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,420
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 870
Cargo volume, cu.ft 10.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 21/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Cadillac ATS
(4-cyl., turbo)
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©*
Engine Minor
o ★
Engine Cooling
o ★
Trans. Major
Oic
Trans. Minor
O -k
Drive System
O k
Fuel System
©*
Electrical
O k
Climate System
• k
Suspension
O *
Brakes
• *
Exhaust
O k
Paint/Trim
©*
Body Integrity
• *
Body Hardware
©*
Power equip.
©*
Audio System
• *
USED CAR
VERDICTS
• k
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
Base price: $45,345-$69,900
Body styles: coupe; sedan;
wagon
Trim lines: Base, Luxury, Per-
formance, Premium, Vsport, V
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0L V6 (270 hp);
2.0L 4 turbo (272 hp); 3.6L
V6 (318 hp); 3.6L V6 (321 hp);
3.6L V6 turbo (420 hp); 6.2L
V8 supercharged (556 hp)
Transmissions: 6-spd man;
6-spd auto; 8-spd auto
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 3,915
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 890
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 18/26
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Cadillac CTS (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©o©©o©ooo©
Engine Cooling
•©o©ooeeee
Trans. Major
•oe©©eeeee
Trans. Minor
Drive System
□©•••o©oee
Fuel System
•©oo©oo#o©
Electrical
•©•o©©e©ee
Climate System
©oooo©ooo©
Suspension
©000©0©©©0
Brakes
©•©0©©©©00
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
ooo©©ooooo
Body Integrity
©0©0©©0©#0
Body Hardware
©0©©©0©©©0
Power equip.
□•©©©©©©ee
Audio System
oo©ooooo©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©oooo©o©©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 115
C V
Cadillac Escalade
T he Escalade has been redesigned like the mechanically simi-
lar Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC YukonA'ukon XL. The
standard Magnetic Ride Control makes the ride steady and controlled,
though it is a bit stiff at low speeds. Power comes from a new 420-hp,
6.2-liter V8 paired with a six-speed automatic; a better eight-speed
automatic replaces it soon. Inside is a more luxurious and well-
finished interior, with active noise cancellation for a quieter cabin. Leg
and headroom are generous, and the third row finally folds flat. The
frustrating CUE infotainment system is standard, with voice and touch-
screen controls in place of most conventional knobs and buttons.
Cadillac SRX
T he SRX has fairly agile handling, and the ride is taut yet supple. In
our tests the 308-hp, 3.6-liter V6 got 18 mpg overall. Despite its
generous horsepower ratings, the SRX feels sluggish and underpow-
ered, particularly in everyday driving. The six-speed automatic shifts
smoothly. Inside is a quiet, well-finished, and high-quality interior with
very supportive front seats. The CUE infotainment system is exces-
sively convoluted. The second-row seats are snug and wide roof
pillars restrict rear visibility. A standard built-in WiFi hotspot is new
for 2015. Reliability has been average but the SRX scored too low to
recommend.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $71,695-$92,840
Body styles: 4-door SUV;
extended SUV
Trim lines: Standard, Luxury,
Premium
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 6.2-liter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 204
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 5,845
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,365
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 14/21
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Cadillac Escalade
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $37,605-$51,730
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Standard, Luxury,
Performance, Premium
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (308 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,525
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 980
Cargo volume, cu.ft 28.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 16/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Cadillac SRX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
icmicmic90000
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
*o*©*©©©©©
Trans. Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
116 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Cadillac XTS
C adillac’s XTS is a large front- or all-wheel-drive sedan, a cousin of
the Buick LaCrosse. It’s luxurious and quiet inside, with a beauti-
fully-executed interior. But the ride is too ordinary for a luxury car and
the 3.6-liter V6 engine sounds coarse when prodded. The roomy inte-
rior has comfortable seats. But the touch-activated CUE infotainment
interface is unintuitive and frustrating to use, and the high rear deck
impedes the view aft. The blind-spot warning system vibrates the
driver’s seat, helping a bit. A Vsport version with a twin-turbo 3.6-liter
engine gives the XTS V8-like power. A standard built-in WiFi hotspot
is new for 2015. Reliability has been much below average.
Chevrolet Camaro
T he Camaro has classic muscle car looks and sound. Our tested
Camaro SS was very quick, thanks to its 6.2-liter V8 engine. The
base 3.6-liter V6 delivers decent, but unexciting, performance. Han-
dling is very capable, but the car’s size and weight makes it feel pon-
derous. Braking performance on the SS is excellent, and the ride is
taut and controlled, but not punishing. The emphasis on exterior and
interior styling impacts practicality, bringing severely hampered visibil-
ity, unclear controls, a small trunk, and a tiny rear seat. The convertible
has an awkward manual top release. High-performance ZL1 and Z/28
versions top the line. Reliability has improved to average of late.
Sedans P F G VG E
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2013 Premium sedan,
3.6-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY O
Base price: $44,600-$69,785
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Standard, Luxury,
Premium, Platinum, Vsport
Drive wheeis: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (304
hp): 3.6-liter V6 turbo (410
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 202
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 4,090
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .17/28
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Cadillac XTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
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Drive System
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Fuel System
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average e
Base price: $23,705-$72,305
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS,
2SS, ZL1, Z/28
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (323
hp); 6.2-liter V8 (400 hp);
6.2-liter V8 (426 hp); 7.0-liter
V8 (505 hp); 6.2-liter V8
supercharged (580 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,900
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 730
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Camaro
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 117
C V
Chevrolet Colorado
D eveloped by GM’s Brazilian arm, the new Chevrolet Colorado
and CMC Canyon arrive with a choice of a 200-hp, 2.5-liter,
four-cylinder or GM’s 305-hp, 3.6-liter V6. Both are backed by a
standard six-speed automatic and offer rear- or four-wheel drive.
V6 versions feature a tow-haul mode. The truck comes with big-
truck features such as a spring-loaded tailgate. Inside are the latest
connectivity systems, including the MyLink Bluetooth audio system.
These are the first small trucks to offer forward collision and lane
departure warnings, and a backup camera is standard. A 2.8-liter
four-cylinder diesel will be offered in 2015.
Chevrolet Corvette
D RecoinmerKled
C hevrolet’s seventh-generation Corvette brings sharp-edged styling,
more power, a nicer interior, and the return of the famed “Stingray”
name. A seven-speed manual is standard; an eight-speed automatic
with paddle shifters (new for 2015) is optional. Power comes from a
6.2-liter V8 producing 455 hp. The aluminum frame optimizes weight
and strength to benefit fuel economy and handling. Acceleration is
blisteringly quick and handling is pinpoint. With the adjustable driving
modes the car can be a civilized cruiser or track-ready race car. The
interior is now befitting the car’s price and the seats are much better.
First year reliability of the redesign has been average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
. j
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $20,120-$34,115
Body styles: extended cab;
crew cab
Trim lines: WT, LT, Z71
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (200 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (305 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 213
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 79
Wheelbase (in.) 128
Weight (lb.) 4,035
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,450
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,700
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg .... 17/24
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Colorado
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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PREDICTION
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Base price: $54,000-$83,000
Body styles: 2-door hatch-
back; convertible
Trim lines: 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, Z06
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 6.2-liter V8 (455
hp); 6.2-liter V8 (460 hp);
6.2-liter V8 supercharged
(650 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
manual; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 49
Wheelbase (in.) 107
Weight (lb.) 3,470
% weight front/rear . . .49/51
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 525
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg 17/29
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Corvette,
Stingray
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
118 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Chevrolet Cruze
T he Cruze is Chevrolet’s mainstream compact sedan. It feels
solid and substantial, handles nicely, and has a firm but con-
trolled ride. The base 1.8-liter four-cylinder and the quieter, more
refined up-level turbocharged 1 .4-liter each returned an unimpres-
sive 26 mpg. An Eco trim is also available, but improves overall fuel
economy by just one mpg. The well-finished cabin feels spacious
up front, even for tall drivers, but is cramped in the rear. Noise lev-
els are fairly restrained for a car in this class. The diesel version got
33 mpg overall, and an impressive 49 mpg highway in our tests.
Reliability has been below average.
Chevrolet Equinox
T he Equinox has easy cabin access and a huge rear seat. While the
3.6-liter V6 delivers decent performance, the dithering transmis-
sion makes it feel sluggish and fuel economy is just 18 mpg overall.
The four-cylinder returned 21 mpg but has to work hard. Handling is
sound, if unexceptional, and the ride is fairly compliant. Interior com-
ponents look snazzy, but feel cheap. Chevy’s MyLink infotainment sys-
tem is easy to use. High-trim LTZ models bring forward-collision and
lane-departure warnings, but lack common features like a dual-zone
climate system. A standard WiFi hotspot is new. Reliability has been
above average, but the Equinox scores too low to be recommended.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $17,170-$24,885
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: LS, 1LT, Eco, 2LT,
LTZ, Turbo Diesel
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo
(138 hp): 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbodiesel (151 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 181
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,130
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or diesel
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/35
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Cruze
(1.8L)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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©©©©
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
Base price: $24,520-$33,670
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LS, 1LT, 2LT, LTZ
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (182 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (301 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 188
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 4,155
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,040
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/23
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Equinox
(V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 119
C V
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu
T he Impala is roomy, comfortable, quiet, and enjoyable to drive.
Engine choices include a punchy 3.6-liter V6 and a decent
2.5-liter four-cylinder, both paired with a six-speed automatic. The V6
accelerates and brakes capably, with secure and responsive handling.
It even rides like a luxury sedan, feeling cushy and controlled. The
full-featured cabin stays very quiet, with a sumptuous backseat and a
huge trunk. Controls are intuitive and easy to use, but rear visibility is
restricted. Advanced electronic safety features are readily available. A
standard WiFi hotspot is new. First year reliability of the redesign has
been average for the V6 and much below average for the 4-cylinder.
T his comfortable and very quiet midsized sedan has a cushy
ride and a well-finished interior. Handling is sound, but gets
soggy at its limits. The up-level 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder gets 24
mpg. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder, paired with a six-speed automatic,
is standard, and gets 26 mpg overall. Controls are simple and
straightforward. The front seats are wide and soft, but lack support
on long trips. The backseat is cramped, but trunk room is sufficient
even in the hybrid. Changes for 2015 include a standard built-in
WiFi hotspot with three months of complimentary data. Reliability
has been average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
2LTZ V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2014 2LTZ sedan,
3.6-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
2LTZ 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2013 2LTZ sedan,
2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed auto-
matic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $27,060-$40,660
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1LTZ,
2LTZ
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (196 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (230 hp); 3.6-liter
V6 (305 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 201
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,855
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 945
Cargo volume, cu.ft 19.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or eng
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/29
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Impala (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Average O
Base price: $22,465-$30,480
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: LS, 1LT, 2LT, 3LT,
1LTZ, 2LTZ
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (196 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (259 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,640
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/30
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Malibu
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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PREDICTION
Average O
120 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Chevrolet SS
C onsider the SS a stealth weapon: a serious performance car
cloaked in a restrained exterior with a spacious, comfortable
cabin. Its ferocious speed, responsive handling, and fantastic brakes
keep pace with many high-end sports sedans. The rear-drive SS
comes fully loaded and is powered by a burbling, 415-hp, 6.2-liter V8.
Controls are simple, and standard safety gear includes forward-colli-
sion alert, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitors, and a back-up
camera with cross-traffic alert. A firm but tolerable ride and a paltry
17 mpg overall are modest drawbacks that go with the territory. A six-
speed manual and a standard WiFi hotspot are new for 201 5.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
W ith its redesign the Silverado (and similar GMC Sierra) are among
our top-scoring pickups. Handling is more responsive and the
spacious cabin is as quiet as a luxury car’s. Benefits include easy
cabin access, simple controls, and generous towing and payload
capacities. Fuel economy with the popular 5.3-liter V8 crew cab we
tested was an exceptional 16 mpg overall. Other engines are a capa-
ble 4.3-liter V6 and powerful 6.2-liter V8, which gets an eight-speed
automatic for 2015. Its few shortcomings include a jittery ride and front
seats that aren’t as supportive as those in some competitors. First
year reliability of the redesign has been much below average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
sedan V8
Lowest Rated
Tested model: 2014 sedan, 6.2-liter
V8, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA j
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE
I Pickups
Highest Rated
LT V8
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2014 LT crew cab
4WD, 5.3-liter V8, 6-speed auto-
matic
I REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $43,475
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: -
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 6.2-liter V8 (415 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,025
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 915
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 14/21
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet SS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $26,105-$51,150
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: WT, LT, LTZ, High
Country
Drive wheels: Rear, part-time,
or selectable 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear
Engines: 4.3-liter V6 (285
hp); 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp);
6.2-liter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Silverado
1500 (V8, 4WD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©eo©o©eeee
Engine Minor
©©o©o©©ooo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
oooooo©©o©
Drive System
Fuel System
©©©©•©o©e©
Electrical
©©©oooo©o©
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 230
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 144
Weight (lb.) 5,415
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,705
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 11,200
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
Climate System © O
Suspension
©©
Brakes
©©
Exhaust
©©
Paint/Trim
OO
Body Integrity
©©
Body Hardware
©©
Power equip.
©©
Audio System
• o
©o©o©©oo
©oo©©©oo
00©©©©00
eeeeeee©
••©•oo©©
ooo©o©©o
0#©0©©©0
©©oo©©oo
ooo©oooo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
©oo©©ooo©#
Much worse than average #
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 121
C V
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
T he HD Silverado and its twin the GMC Sierra HD are designed
for heavy towing and hauling. The 6.0-liter V8 and 6.6-liter
turbodiesel, both mated to a six-speed automatic, carried over on
the 2015 redesign. There is also a natural gas (CNG) version of
the 6.0-liter V8. GM said that the new cabs and interiors provide
increased space and comfort, with extensive storage space. The
new Silverado HD is available with safety features such as forward
collision alert, lane departure warning, and front and rear park
assist. Head-curtain and seat-mounted side air bags are standard.
Chevrolet Sonic
T he subcompact Sonic is fairly quick and quiet for the class. It
handles responsively, although the steering is a bit darty. The
standard 1 .8-liter four-cylinder performs well, while the uplevel trim
gets a modestly-quicker and thriftier turbo four-cylinder. The sedan
has a huge trunk and better visibility, but the hatchback is more
versatile. Both have a relatively quiet cabin, but the rear seats are
cramped. Crash-test results are impressive. Advanced safety fea-
tures such as forward-collision alert, lane-departure, and a backup
camera are available. Changes for 2015 include a standard WiFi
hotspot. Reliability has dropped to below average.
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
[
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $31,310-$48,325
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: WT, LT, LTZ
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear
Engines: 6.0-liter V8 (301 hp);
6.0-liter V8 (360 hp); 6.6-liter
V8 turbodiesel (397 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 240
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 78
Wheelbase (in.) 154
Weight (lb.) 7,420
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 3,175
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). 13,000
Fuel
Regular or diesel or eng
ERA city/hwy, mpg NA
r RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Chevrolet Silverado
gpQyg 2500 Sl 3500 HD (diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Qoeeo-koooo
Engine Minor
©©©©o*o©oo
Engine Cooling
0©©©0*00©0
Trans. Major
©©eeotireeee
Trans. Minor
©•©o©:ice©ee
Drive System
©©o©©*oo©o
Fuel System
©©o©#*##oo
Electrical
©o©oo*o©oo
Climate System 0©©©©*©000
Suspension
0©00©*©0©0
Brakes
©©©©o*©©oo
Exhaust
eeooe:ir©oee
Raint/Trim
©©o©o*©©©©
Body Integrity
©©©oo*©©o©
Body Hardware
0©©0©*©00©
Rower equip.
©©0©©*©0©0
Audio System
©eoe©:iceoee
USED CAR
VERDICTS
00 © 0©*#©©0
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
LT 4
Lowest Rated
0 100 ,
' Tested modef: 2012 LT sedan,
1.8-liter 4-cyi., 6-speed automatic
Base price: $14,245-$21,945
Body styles: 4-door hatch-
back; sedan
Trim lines: LS, LT, LTZ, RS
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo (138
hp); 1.8-liter 4 (138 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 6-speed manual;
6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 173
Width (in.) 68
Height (in.) 60
Wheelbase (in.) 99
Weight (lb.) 2,765
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 895
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/35
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Chevrolet Sonic
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eee
Engine Minor
©ee
Engine Cooling
©eo
Trans. Major
©ee
Trans. Minor
©ee
Drive System
oee
Fuel System
©©e
Electrical
ee©
Climate System
©©o
Suspension
eee
Brakes
oe©
Exhaust
eee
Paint/Trim
e©©
Body Integrity
oo©
Body Hardware
©©©
Power equip.
o©e
Audio System
eoo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
eoe
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average Q
122 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Chevrolet Spark
C hevrolet’s tiny Spark has standard features like a touch-screen
infotainment system. But that doesn’t make it a good deal. The
best its dinky 84-hp, 1 .2-liter four-cylinder can muster is loud and
slow acceleration, combined with an unimpressive 31 mpg. The
continuously variable transmission revs up the deafening engine roar
any time you ask for more power, which is frequently. The cabin is
cramped and extremely loud, and the ride is stiff and jittery. Handling
is lackluster, but the Spark is easy to park, and has room for two
adults in the rear seat. The best version is the electric one, sold only
in California and Oregon. A standard WiFi hotspot is new for 2015.
Chevrolet Suburban
I f you need space for seven or more passengers, all their stuff,
and towing capacity, little else but the Suburban will do. Rede-
signed for 2015, this hauler got a sumptuous interior, power folding
second- and third-row seats, and available blind spot monitoring
and cross traffic alert. Beyond that, it’s pretty much your old-
fashioned Suburban, with a 5.3-liter V8 and six speed automatic,
and fuel economy that improves to a whopping 16 mpg. The
infotainment system is easy to use, and the Magnetic Ride Control
suspension on LTZ trims upgrades ride and handling safety. We
have insufficient data to predict reliability of the redesign.
ROAD TEST SCORE ^
2J
REPORT CARD
Wagons/ p f r,
hatchbacks H t G
VG E
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
Highest Rated
m
1LT 4
OWNER COST
o
Lowest Rated llJ
0
100
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
Tested model: 2014 1LT 4-door
hatchback, 1.2-liter 4-cyi., CVT
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
LTZ V8
Lowest Rated B3
0 100
Tested modef: 2015 LTZ 4-door
SUV 4WD, 5.3-liter V8, 6-speed
automatic
■ REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $12,270-$27,210
Body styles: 4-door hatch-
back
Trim lines: LS, 1LT, 2LT, EV
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 1.2-liter 4 (84 hp);
•O-liter electric (140 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 1-speed direct; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 145
Width (in.) 63
Height (in.) 61
Wheelbase (in.) 94
Weight (lb.) 2,345
% weight front/rear . . 64/36
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 660
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or electric
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 30/39
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Spark
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $47,595-$64,700
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LS, LT, LTZ
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 224
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 130
Weight (lb.) 5,945
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,455
Cargo volume, cu.ft 62.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 15/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Suburban
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
eeoooeeeee
o©o##o©©oo
o©eee©eeee
•ooee©eeee
o©oo©oo©oo
•©••©•©©©e
©©••©©©©ee
©©©©oo©ooo
•©©©©©o©oo
oo©oo©©©oo
ooooooo©oo
oe©©eeeeee
o©«ooo©oee
oooo#o©oo©
oooooooo©©
••••©©©oee
•o#©ooo©o©
©o##©©©o©©
New
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 123
C V
Chevrolet Tahoe
F or 2015, the redesigned Tahoe gained a luxurious interior,
improved second- and third-row seats, and available electronic
features like blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alert. Beyond
that, fuel economy from the 5.3-liter V8 and six speed automatic,
improves to a whopping 16 mpg. The infotainment system is easy
to use, while the Magnetic Ride Control suspension on LTZ trims
upgrades ride and handling safety. Properly equipped, the truck-
based Tahoe has towing capacity of 8,500 pounds. But that’s about
all it has going for it compared with better handling and more effi-
cient car-based SUVs. Reliability of the redesign has been average.
Chevrolet Traverse
T he Traverse is one of GM’s roomy, car-based three-row SUVs.
It has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that’s
roomy enough to accommodate adults. Seating for eight is avail-
able. In our tests the smooth and refined 3.6-liter V6 returned 16
mpg overall, but has its work cut out for it with this heavy vehicle.
A recent freshening brought the better MyLink infotainment system
and head restraints. Handling is relatively agile and secure, and the
Traverse steers nicely. The ride is taut yet comfortable and steady.
Rear visibility isn’t great, but clever extra mirrors reduce side blind
spots. Reliability has been above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
67
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
LT V8
m
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2015 LT 4-door SUV
4WD, 5.3-liter V8, 6-speed auto-
matic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
I
o ■
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
LT V6
Lowest Rated E3
0 100
■ Tested modef: 2013 LT 4-door SUV
AWD, 3.6-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $44,895-$62,000
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LS, LT, LTZ
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Tahoe
(2015)
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 15
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 204
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 5,635
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,580
Cargo volume, cu.ft 47.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,300
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
©
O
o
Average O
Base price: $30,995-$43,935
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LS, LT, LTZ
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (281 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (288 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 204
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 119
Weight (lb.) 4,975
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,405
Cargo volume, cu.ft 48.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,200
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 16/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Traverse
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
•oeeee
Engine Minor
Qeoeee
Engine Cooling
••oeee
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
oooeee
Drive System
o©©©oo
Fuel System
©•oeee
Electrical
ooeeee
Climate System
•••ooe
Suspension
Brakes
oo©©ee
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©eeee
Body Integrity
ooooe©
Body Hardware
©oeoee
Power eguip.
•eoeee
Audio System
©•oo©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
••©o©e
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
124 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Chevrolet Trax
C hevrolet will expand its budget offerings in early 2015 with
this bite-sized crossover. Available in front- or all-wheel drive,
the Trax will use a turbo 1 .4-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed
automatic. It will feature the next-generation versions of OnStar and
MyLink infotainment systems. That means available 4G LTE, mobile
WiFi, and Siri Eyes Free for hands-free iPhone operation. In our test
of the mechanically similar Buick Encore, the little 1 .4-liter turbo
delivered leisurely acceleration, and fuel economy was just so-so.
That cabin is reasonably well appointed, but it feels narrow and
cramped. The Trax may have more appeal with a Chevrolet price.
Chevrolet Volt
T he Volt electric car has a 1 .4-liter engine to extend its typical
35-mile electric range. It’s quick and quiet, with a taut ride. Once
the battery is depleted, the engine acts as a generator, boosting range
by 31 5 miles. Recharging takes 4 hours on a 240-volt supply and 1 0
hours with 120 volts. We averaged the equivalent of 99 mpg in electric
mode and 32 mpg on premium gas. The four-seat capacity limits
practicality, the rear seat is cramped, and visibility is poor. Battery
size has been increased from 16 kWh to 17.1, likely leading to more
EV-only miles. Reliability has been average. A redesigned Volt arrives
in late 2015, with the ability to drive on either motor.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $20,000-$30,000E
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LS, LT, LTZ
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo (138
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 169
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 3,255
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 23/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Chevrolet Trax
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
Base price: $34,345
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: -
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 + electric
(150 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,750
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 750
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 95/40
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chevrolet Volt
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eeee
Engine Minor
eeee
Engine Cooling
©©oo
Trans. Major
eeee
Trans. Minor
e©ee
Drive System
e©©e
Fuel System
©©©e
Electrical
oe©©
Climate System
©©oe
Suspension
e©ee
Brakes
e©ee
Exhaust
eeee
Paint/Trim
eee©
Body Integrity
eee©
Body Hardware
e©©e
Power equip.
©e©e
Audio System
©o©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
e©©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 125
C V
Chrysler 200
T he stylish 200 is world’s apart from the previous generation.
Engine choices are a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6. Both
use a nine-speed automatic. In our tests, we got an impressive 30
mpg overall for the four-cylinder, and 25 mpg for the V6. Handling is
sound, but not particularly athletic. The ride is unsettled and snappy
in the 200 Limited, but more settled in the 200 C. The front cabin is
comfortable, and includes a charging station for smartphones. But
the rear seat is a bit cramped and the styling hurts visibility. Available
safety features include forward collision and lane departure warnings.
All-wheel drive is optional with the V6.
Chrysler 300
C hrysler’s 300 is roomy and luxurious, and one of the best large
sedans on the market. The 5.7-liter V8 is punchy, but fuel econ-
omy is only 18 mpg overall with the five-speed automatic. But the
3.6-liter V6, with its smooth eight-speed automatic, stately ride, and
responsive handling, is a bargain luxury sedan and our preferred
choice. It averaged a good 22 mpg overall in our tests. Inside, the
cabin is roomy and nicely trimmed. The Uconnect touch-screen
infotainment system is one of the best in the industry. The top-trim
SRT uses a potent 6.4-liter V8. Reliability has dropped to below
average of late.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
!
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
66
Sedans P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
■■KS
V6
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2015 C sedan, 3.6-liter I
V6, 9-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Base price: $21,700-$30,425
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: LX, Limited, S, C
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY j
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chrysler 200 Sedan
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (184 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (295 hp)
Engine Major
Engine Minor
eee^ic
o©o*
Transmissions: 9-speed
automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
©©e*
eee^ir
Trans. Minor
• 0©:lc
Drive System
• o©*
Fuel System
©oo*
Electrical
©oo*
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 55
Climate System
Suspension
©oo*
• ©o*
Brakes
Exhaust
©••:1c
eee^ic
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,650
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
©©•*
• ©•-A-
Body Hardware
Power equip.
oo©*
o©o*
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©o©*
• •©:1c
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/32
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Base price: $30,545-$48,900
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, S, C, John
Varvatos Luxury, SRT
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (292 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (300 hp); 5.7-liter
V8 (363 hp); 6.4-liter V8
(465 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chrysler 300
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©o©oo©oooo
Engine Minor
©©•©•©•••©
Engine Cooling
•
•
•
•
c
•
•
c
3
C
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
•••©©•©©o©
Drive System
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 199
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 120
Weight (lb.) 4,095
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 865
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 19/31
Climate System © O
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126 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
c
Chrysler Town & Country
T he Town & Country still falls short of the best minivans. High
points include a comfortable, settled ride and a quiet, well-
equipped, and versatile cabin. The second- and third-row seats
that conveniently fold into the floor to maximize cargo space, but
the folding seats are thin and not very supportive. Though the
283-hp V6 is polished and powerful enough, the transmission is a
generation behind, and fuel economy is unimpressive at 17 mpg
overall. Everyday handling is sound, but becomes sloppy when the
van is pushed to its limits. Reliability has been below average.
Dodge Challenger
W hile the look may appear old school, the Challenger definitely
is modern. Performance packages include a 485-hp V8, and
a 707-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 in the “Hellcat.” Transmission
choices are a six-speed manual or a new eight-speed automatic. Base
models use a 305-hp V6 paired with the automatic. 201 5 brings new
electric power steering, an updated suspension, improved feel for the
electronic shifter, and a redesigned interior. The Challenger been more
about grunt than finesse, yet it now has very capable handling. Newly
available safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot
monitoring, rear cross path detection, and forward collision warning.
Minivans P F G VG E
Tested modei: 2011 Tourinq-L
minivan extended, 3.6-liter V6,
6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sporty cars P F G VG E
Highest Rated
R/T V8
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2011 R/T coupe,
5.7-liter V8, 6-speed manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $29,995-$39,995
Body styles: minivan extended
Trim lines: Touring, S, Touring-
L, Limited
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (283 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 203
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) 4,685
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,150
Cargo volume, cu.ft 61.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,600
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Chrysler Town &
Country
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average O
Base price: $26,995-$58,295
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: SXT, R/T, SRT
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (305 hp);
5.7-liter V8 (375 hp); 6.4-liter
V8 (485 hp); 6.2-liter V8
supercharged (707 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 198
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 4,195
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 865
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .15/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Dodge Challenger
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
•:1c © O ★ O © •:1c
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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Drive System
* 90 * 00 *
Fuel System
* 90 * 00 *
Electrical
* 00 * 09 *
Climate System
★ O O ★ O © ★
Suspension
•*-©©-*-oo-*-
Brakes
•*-©o-*-©©-*-
Exhaust
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Paint/Trim
* 00 * 90 *
Body Integrity
* 00 * 00 *
Body Hardware
* 00 * 09 *
Power eguip.
* 00 * 00 *
Audio System
* 90 * 09 *
USED CAR
VERDICTS
* 00 * 00 *
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 127
D VEHICLE PROFILES
T he 2015 Charger has extensive exterior changes, as well as
interior updates. Along with the Hemi V8, a 292-hp, 3.6-liter V6
and a new 707-hp, 6.2-liter supercharged V8 are available. The new
eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission, and all-wheel drive
is optional on some models. Also new is forward-collision warning,
which can slow or bring the vehicle to a full stop when frontal col-
lision appears imminent. Other safety tech includes adaptive cruise
control, and a rear park assist system. The well-designed Uconnect
touch screen infotainment system is optional. You can also get on-
demand WiFi, making the car a moving hot spot.
D odge’s compact sedan was updated for 2014, but still falls short.
This car does have some good points: Handling is taut and agile,
and the ride is composed. Besides that, the front cabin is quite spa-
cious and the optional Uconnect touch screen is one of the better
infotainment systems. Updates include improvements to the interior and
seats, but the rear remains cramped. The primary powertrain is now a
2.4-liter four-cylinder and smooth six-speed automatic. The 2.4 lacks
refinement but is a better choice than the sluggish base 2.0-liter and
thrashy optional 1 .4-liter turbo four. Reliability of the 2.0-liter has been
average, the turbo four is below average, and the 2.4-liter is unknown.
ROAD TEST SCORE g
8
Sedans P F G
VG E
Highest Rated
SXT 4
0
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2014 SXT sedan,
2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $26,495-$46,385
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: SE, SXT, R/T, SRT
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (292,
300 hp): 5.7-liter V8 (370 hp);
6.4-liter V8 (470 hp); 6.2-liter
V8 supercharged (707 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 198
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 120
Weight (lb.) 4,015
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 865
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg .... 19/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Dodge Charger
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
O -lie © -A- -A- © © © •
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
Base price: $16,495-$22,995
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: SE, SXT, Aero, GT,
Limited
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo
(160 hp): 2.0-liter 4 (160 hp);
2.4-liter 4 (184 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,260
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 23/35
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Dodge Dart (2.0L)
05 06 07 0 8 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Oic
Engine Minor
O ★
Engine Cooling
o ★
Trans. Major
Oic
Trans. Minor
O ★
Drive System
O ic
Fuel System
• ic
Electrical
©★
Climate System
O ★
Suspension
Oic
Brakes
O ic
Exhaust
O ic
Paint/Trim
Oic
Body Integrity
©★
Body Hardware
© *
Power equip.
©*
Audio System
©*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
O ★
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
128 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Dodge Durango
Q Recommended
S pacious, quiet, and comfortable, the Durango blends civility and
capability. It shares its platform with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, but
adds the benefit of an available third-row seat. Handling is responsive
for such a large vehicle, and the ride is composed and comfortable. A
new eight-speed automatic improved performance and fuel economy
with both V6 and V8 engines. The optional Uconnect 8.4 infotain-
ment system is one of the best, with intuitive operation. Cargo room
is generous, and the Durango can tow 1 ,000-2,000 pounds more than
competitors. Limited visibility is a downside, but a rear-view camera is
available. Reliability of the redesign has been average.
Dodge Grand Caravan
T he Grand Caravan still falls short of the best minivans. Like its
Town & Country sibling, high points include a comfortable and
settled ride, and a quiet, well-equipped cabin that offers considerable
versatility. The second- and third-row seats conveniently fold into the
floor. While maximizing cargo space, these thinner, less supportive
seats compromise seating posture. Though the 283-hp V6 is polished
and powerful enough, the transmission is a generation behind, and
fuel economy is unimpressive at 17 mpg overall. Everyday handling is
sound but becomes sloppy when the van is pushed to its limits. Reli-
ability has been below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
I REPORT CARD
Minivans P F G VG E
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
Highest Rated
Touring-L V6
OWNER COST
O
Lowest Rated
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
0 lOOj
Tested modei: 2011 Chrysler Town &
Country Touring-L minivan extended,
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
3.6-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $29,795-$42,195
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SXT, SXT Plus,
Limited, R/T, Citadel
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (290 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (295 hp); 5.7-liter
V8 (360 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 200
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 71
Wheelbase (in.) 120
Weight (lb.) 5,105
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,200
Cargo volume, cu.ft 44.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,200
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Dodge Durango
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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e©©©
Suspension
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Brakes
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Exhaust
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Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
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©©***
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©©o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o o * ★ *
e©©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $21,195-$29,995
Body styles: minivan extended
Trim lines: American Value,
SE, SXT, R/T
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (283 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 203
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) 4,685
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,150
Cargo volume, cu.ft 61.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,600
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/25
I RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Dodge Grand Caravan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©©©©©ee©ee
Engine Minor
©©o©©o©eee
Engine Cooling
e
e
c
e
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Trans. Major
©eo©©©eeee
Trans. Minor
Drive System
©©©©o©©eee
Fuel System
©ee©o©oo©e
Electrical
©©oe©©©©ee
Climate System
Suspension
ee©o©©o©ee
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
eee©o©o©ee
Body Integrity
©eee©eeeoo
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
©oo©©ooo©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 129
D VEHICLE PROFILES
D odge’s midsized SUV seats five, with an optional third row that
nominally increases seating to seven. The 3.6-liter V6 got only
16 mpg in our tests. The noisy 2.4-liter engine is available only on
front-wheel-drive versions. Despite the new engine and updated
interior appointments, the Journey is still mediocre overall. It does
ride well and the cabin stays quiet, but its lack of agility makes it
feel larger than it is. In addition, the transmission is reluctant to
downshift and the third-row seat is tiny. Reliability has been well
below average.
F or 2015 the Viper gets a slight power bump to 645 hp from
the all-aluminum, 8.4-liter VI 0, though the six-speed manual
is unchanged. This generation SRT Viper is about 100 pounds
lighter than the last model, and is designed to appeal to buyers
of $100,000 sports cars who want super high performance along
with an upscale, more substantial interior. Three versions are now
offered: base, GT, and the upscale GTS. No matter what trim, the
Viper is still a loud and brash machine that’s all about brute force. It
requires a skilled driver to bring out its potential.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
• 1
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE
64
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
Lux V6
Ei
Lowest Rated
KB
0
100
Tested model: 2011 Lux 4-door SUV
AWD, 3.6-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
Base price: $19,995-$30,895
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: American Value,
SE, SXT, Crossroad, Limited,
R/T
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (173 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (283 hp)
Transmissions: 4-speed auto-
matic; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 4,410
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,165
Cargo volume, cu.ft 37.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Base price: $84,995-$110,000E I
Body styles: coupe 1
Trim lines: Base, GT, GTS
TROUBLE Dodge Journey
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: Rear
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
o©#ooo
oo©©oo
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••©©©e
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•©•••©
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 8.4-liter V10 (645
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual
O
Much worse than average #
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 176
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 49
Wheelbase (in.) 99
Weight (lb.) 3,355
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 12/20
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Dodge SRT Viper
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
NOT
ENOUGH
DATA
TO
RATE
130 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Fiat 500
T he 500’s agile handling and crisp-shifting five-speed manual make
it fun to drive. The non-turbo engine and manual returned 33
mpg overall, but require frequent downshifts to keep up with traffic. A
135-hp turbo improves the experience, but the ride is choppy and the
cabin noisy. Head room up front is good, but the steering wheel is too
far away for some. The rear seats are very tight and difficult to access.
The convertible has a clever top. The high-performance Abarth is
quick, grips well, and has a sporty exhaust note, and the 500e electric
version is enjoyable. Reliability has been well below average. The 500
scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
Fiat 500L
/
ore than an overgrown 500, the 500L is let down by a jerky
sequential automatic, stiff ride, flat seats, and odd driving posi-
tion. Around town, the 500L feels sluggish and hesitant, but that
improves if you choose the new conventional automatic. We like the
500L’s easy access, commodious interior, and spacious backseat. A
tiny five-inch screen is used to access the simple UConnect system.
The car responds eagerly in turns and handles securely at its limits.
But the driving position is odd, with a bus-like steering-wheel rake and
far-off, four-pillar windshield. The 500L scored a Poor in the IIHS small-
overlap crash test. First year reliability has been well below average.
ROAD TEST SCORE 54
Wagons/
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
Sport 4
Lowest Rated
0
Tested model: 2012 Sport 2-door
hatchback, 1.4-liter 4-cyl., 5-speed
manual
100
Base price: $16,645-$31,800
Body styles: 2-door hatchback;
convertible
Trim lines: Pop, Sport,
Lounge, Turbo, Abarth, e
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 (101 hp);
Electric (111 hp); 1.4-liter 4
turbo (135 hp); 1.4-liter 4
turbo (160 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 140
Width (in.) 64
Height (in.) 60
Wheelbase (in.) 91
Weight (lb.) 2,415
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 750
Cargo volume, cu.ft 10.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or premium or electric
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 30/38
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Fiat 500
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©O*
Engine Minor
<SO-k
Engine Cooling
©O*
Trans. Major
oo*
Trans. Minor
o o ★
Drive System
o©*
Fuel System
©o*
Electrical
o o ★
Climate System
o e -A-
Suspension
©©*
Brakes
©o*
Exhaust
o o ★
Paint/Trim
o o *
Body Integrity
• ©★
Body Hardware
• ©*
Power equip.
• ©*
Audio System
o©*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
ROAD TEST SCORE
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $19,100-$24,195
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: Pop, Easy,
Trekking, Lounge
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo (160
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 167
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 103
Weight (lb.) 3,330
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 22.5
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/33
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
n
TROUBLE
Fiat BOOL
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14
Engine Major
e
Engine Minor
e
Engine Cooling
e
Trans. Major
o
Trans. Minor
•
Drive System
©
Fuel System
©
Electrical
©
Climate System
©
Suspension
e
Brakes
e
Exhaust
e
Paint/Trim
e
Body Integrity
©
Body Hardware
©
Power equip.
©
Audio System
•
USED CAR
VERDICTS
•
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average
•
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 131
B ased on the Focus, the five-passenger C-Max hybrid is a clever,
spacious, and practical hatchback. We found it rides well and
handles with agility. The regenerative braking system helps fuel econ-
omy, but makes the pedal feel touchy. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder and
electric motor deliver adequate acceleration and seamless transi-
tions, and can run in electric mode up to about 40 mph. To conserve
fuel, the engine shuts down when coasting, even at high speeds. We
measured an excellent 37 mpg overall. The C-Max Energi plug-in
hybrid can travel in electric-only mode for about 18 miles before
reverting to regular hybrid operation. It takes 6 hours to charge on
120-volt and 2 1/2 on 240-volt. Reliability is below average.
T he Edge has its strong points, but there are better choices. Its
3.5-liter V6 provides lively acceleration and returned 18 mpg
in our tests. But the powertrain lacks refinement, and the six-
speed automatic isn’t very smooth. The 240-hp, turbo four-cylinder
returned 21 mpg overall, but is only available on front-wheel-drive
versions. The ride is a bit jittery, and road noise is pronounced. The
MyFord Touch controls have touch-sensitive buttons that give no
tactile feedback, and a distracting touchscreen. Reliability of the V6
has improved to average; the 4-cylinder turbo is well below aver-
age. A redesigned Edge arrives in the spring of 2015.
Base price: $24,170-$31,635
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: Hybrid SE, Hybrid
SEL, Energi
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 hybrid
(188 hp); 2.0-liter 4 electric
(188 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 174
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,615
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 28.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 42/37
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford C-MAX Hybrid
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
o©
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
ee
Drive System
ee
Fuel System
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Electrical
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Climate System
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Suspension
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Brakes
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Exhaust
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Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
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Body Hardware
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Power eguip.
©o
Audio System
ee
USED CAR
VERDICTS
ee
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average e
Base price: $28,100-$39,550
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SE, SEL, Limited,
Sport
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Edge (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
Engine Major
Engine Minor
e©e©©eee
(240 hp): 3.5-liter V6 (285
hp); 3.7-liter V6 (305 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
••o©oooo
•dd©©ee©
Fuel System
eeee©©ee
Electrical
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 67
Climate System
Suspension
ooo©©©oo
©o©©oooo
Brakes
Exhaust
o©o©©#©©
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,385
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 910
Cargo volume, cu.ft 36.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 18/25
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
©©©o©©oo
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Body Hardware
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©©©oo©oo
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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PREDICTION
Average O
132 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Ford Escape
T he Escape drives very well, with agile and sporty handling and a
composed ride. Most versions have a 1 .6-liter turbo four-cylinder,
and up-level models use a stronger and quieter 2.0-liter turbo. Both
got 22 mpg overall in our tests. While the cabin is quiet, comfort and
convenience features are less impressive. The footwell is a bit narrow
and the base-level cloth seats are mediocre in support and comfort.
The optional leather seats are better shaped. The rest of the interior
is roomy enough. Many of the controls are needlessly complicated,
especially with the MyFord Touch system. A rear-view camera is
standard. Reliability has been below average.
Ford Expedition
T he big news about this big SUV is that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost
V6 engine has made its way under the hood for its 2015 fresh-
ening. Ford says that the V6 returns better fuel economy as well as
more power and torque than the old 5.4-liter V8. A six-speed auto-
matic is the lone transmission. Both regular- and long-wheelbase
versions are available, as well as eight-passenger seating. New
features include SYNC with MyFord Touch, push-button start, and
blind spot monitoring. Our tests are underway, and it looks like the
new V6 will improve upon the dismal 13 mpg overall fuel economy
we measured in our last Expedition test.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $23,100-$31,260
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, SE, Titanium
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (168 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (173 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (231 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 178
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,885
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 35.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/28
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Escape
(2.0L EcoBoost)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
ee
Drive System
©e
Fuel System
©e
Electrical
©e
Climate System
ee
Suspension
©e
Brakes
©©
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
©e
Body Integrity
o©
Body Hardware
e©
Power equip.
oe
Audio System
e«
USED CAR
VERDICTS
eo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average Q
Base price: $43,390-$63,640
Body styles: 4-door SUV;
extended SUV
Trim lines: XLT, Limited, King
Ranch, XLT EL, Limited EL,
King Ranch EL, Platinum
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 turbo
(365 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 221
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 79
Wheelbase (in.) 131
Weight (lb.) 6,325
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,570
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . .9,100
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 15/20
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Expedition
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eo©e7k^eeeee
Engine Minor
o©©o*©eeee
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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Fuel System
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Exhaust
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Body Integrity
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 133
Ford Explorer
Ford F-150
T he Explorer shares its car-based platform with the larger Ford
Flex. The roomy and versatile interior is well finished and offers
a usable third-row seat. Handling is secure but not particularly
agile. The ride is steady and absorbent. The standard 3.5-liter
V6 is punchy enough, though a bit rough. A 240-hp, 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder is available, but only on front-wheel-
drive models. The interior is well-finished and relatively quiet. The
optional MyFord Touch control interface is complicated and dis-
tracting. A terrain-select system facilitates light off-road capability.
Reliability has improved to average.
F ord says that the move to an all-aluminum body saves at least 700
pounds compared with the previous F-150. We verified that claim
when we weighed a press version with the new 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6
and compared it with previous models we tested. Other notable features
include a 360-degree view camera, LED headlights, a remote tailgate
release, and integrated loading ramps. In addition to the 2.7-liter V6,
Ford will offer a 3.5-liter V6, a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, and a 5.0-liter V8.
In brief drives we found the 2.7-liter engine plenty strong, while the
cabin is comfortable and quiet. Safety features include lane departure
warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot detection.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o 1
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $30,600-$42,670
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, XLT, Limited,
Sport
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.5-liter V6 (290
hp); 3.5-liter V6 turbo (365
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 197
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 4,780
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,280
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 42.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg .... 17/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Ford Explorer (V6)
SPOTS
Engine Major
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Minor
©©o©o©oooo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
•••o©eeeee
Trans. Minor
••••©oo©ee
Drive System
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Fuel System
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Electrical
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Suspension
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Brakes
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
©••□©©•©oo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $25,420-$54,380
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: XL, XLT, Lariat,
King Ranch, Platinum
Drive wheels: Part- or full-
time 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (283 hp);
2.7-liter V6 turbo (325 hp);
5.0-liter V8 (385 hp); 3.5-liter
V6 turbo (365 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 232
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 77
Wheelbase (in.) 145
Weight (lb.) 5,000
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. ioad (ib.) 3,060
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). .11,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . NA/NA
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Ford F-150 (V8, 4WD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
□©□©©©•••o
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
©□©©•©©ooo
Drive System
••••©••□©•
Fuel System
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Electrical
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Suspension
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
134 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Ford F-250
T he F-250 is best suited for towing or hauling heavy loads, but
handling is very clumsy even for a heavy-duty pickup truck. The
ride is much stiffer than the F-150’s, but slightly better than that of
some heavy-duty competitors. The 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel got 40
more horsepower for 2015. A V8 gas engine is available. The high
floor makes access difficult. Convenience items include built-in
controls for proportional braking when towing a trailer. Reliability
has been average, but the very low emergency-handling scores
prevent us from recommending the F-250.
Ford Fiesta
T he Fiesta subcompact drives nicely, with agile handling and
a supple, controlled ride. Interior fit and finish, and equip-
ment levels are also impressive for this class, with soft-touch dash
materials and a relatively quiet cabin. But the rear seat is very
cramped and the optional MyFord Touch system is difficult to use.
In our tests the five-speed manual version felt slow. A six-speed
automated manual is also available, and fuel economy with both
transmissions is excellent. The sporty, super-agile ST is fun to
drive. A 1.0-liter, three-cylinder turbo is available, but only with the
manual. Reliability has been well below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $31,045-$54,710
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: XL, XLT, Lariat,
King Ranch, Platinum
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 6.2-liter V8 (385
hp); 6.7-liter V8 turbodiesel
(440 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 247
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 80
Wheelbase (in.) 156
Weight (lb.) 7,745
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 2,080
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). 14,000
Fuel
Regular or diesel
EPA city/hwy, mpg NA
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford F-250 & F-350
(diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
• •••Tk-Qoeee
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
O9OO:k9OOO0
Trans. Minor
OO00-k9O090
Drive System
O0OO-kO9090
Fuel System
Electrical
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Climate System
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Suspension
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Brakes
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Exhaust
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Body Hardware
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Audio System
©©o©*#o©#©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
••••^••o©©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $14,355-$21,405
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: S, SE, Titanium, ST
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (120 hp);
1.0-liter 3 turbo (123 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (197 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual;
6-speed manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 174
Width (in.) 68
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 98
Weight (lb.) 2,665
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 27/37
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Fiesta
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eeee
Engine Minor
0000
Engine Cooling
0000
Trans. Major
0000
Trans. Minor
0000
Drive System
9000
Fuel System
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Electrical
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Climate System
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Suspension
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Brakes
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Body Integrity
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Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average e
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 135
Ford Flex
Ford Focus
he Flex combines SUV-like versatility with car-like driving
dynamics. The base 3.5-liter V6 has been updated with more
power, and now gets 18 mpg overall. Choosing the optional tur-
bocharged V6 gives you quick acceleration at the sacrifice of just
1 mpg. The Flex rides comfortably and quietly, but handling is not
particularly agile. The vast interior is very roomy and has decent
fit and finish, but the driver’s footwell is too narrow. Rear visibility
is somewhat restricted. The MyFord Touch control interface is too
complicated and distracting. Reliability of the turbocharged V6 is
well below average, but the regular V6 version’s is average.
T he 201 5 Focus has received a mid-cycle freshening, with styling
updates resembling the current Fusion and Fiesta. Ford says the
Focus will be quieter-riding and improve upon its already-impressive
agility. A new powertrain is the 123-hp, 1.0-liter three-cylinder turbo,
already available on the Fiesta, using a six-speed manual. In the sub-
compact Fiesta that engine, with a five-speed manual, got impressive
fuel economy and provided good acceleration. But it had to work
hard and rev high to get the car up to speed. A rear-view camera,
using either a 4.2-inch screen or the uplevel MyFordTouch 8-inch
screen is now standard. Reliability has been below average.
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
J
Base price: $31,100-$44,600
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SE, SEL, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (287 hp);
3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 202
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 118
Weight (lb.) 4,820
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,160
Cargo volume, cu.ft 47.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 4,500
Fuel
Regular or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg .... 17/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Flex
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Qeoeee
Drive System
•o©©oo
Fuel System
©©o©oo
Electrical
©o©©©o
Climate System
•••©©e
Suspension
000900
Brakes
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Exhaust
Raint/Trim
099090
Body Integrity
000009
Body Hardware
000009
Rower equip.
090990
Audio System
009000
USED CAR
VERDICTS
000009
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $16,310-$24,065
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: S, SE, SE SFE,
Titanium
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.0-liter 3 turbo (123 hp);
2.0-liter 4 (160 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual;
6-speed manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 179
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 2,990
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or premium or electric
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .27/37
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Focus
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©©oooo©ooo
Engine Cooling
e©eo©eeeee
Trans. Major
©o©©eeeooe
Trans. Minor
Drive System
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Much worse than average O
136 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Ford Focus Electric
\
T he Focus Electric is one of the best EVs available. It’s agile and fun
to drive, with quick, well-weighted steering. The ride is supple and
controlled, effectively absorbing bumps. In our tests, we averaged 80
miles of range per charge. Energy consumption was the equivalent of
107 mpg. Cold temperatures saw the range plummet to just 55 miles.
At $.1 1/kWh, the four-hour charge to full costs $2.40. The cabin is
nearly identical to the standard car, but the controls have more interac-
tive displays for the electric drive. The MyFord Touch system is distract-
ing, and the battery pack takes up a lot of cargo room. Reliability of the
Electric is unknown, but other Focus versions are below average.
Ford Focus ST
T he ST is a dedicated performance hatchback that’s doesn’t beat
you up too much. It’s powered by a strong 2.0-liter, 252-hp turbo
four cylinder that’s complimented by a sharp-handling chassis. With
the crisp, low-effort six-speed manual, you even get a respectable
25 mpg overall. But the ST isn’t for the novice driver. It’s the rare
FWD car that can swing its tail out during abrupt cornering, even
with stability control engaged. The Recaro seats are confining for
some and the standard summer tires means you’ll need winter tires
in the snowbelt. The MyFord Touch system is fussy to use. For an
enthusiast driver, the ST is a gas, but reliability is below average.
Fuel efficient
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
Electric
Lowest Rated i^ES
0 100
Tested model: 2012 Electric 4-door
hatchback, Electric, automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $35,170
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: -
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: Electric (143 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Focus Electric
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 173
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,625
% weight front/rear . . .49/51
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Electric
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . .110/99
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NOT
ENOUGH
DATA
TO
RATE
Base price: $24,115
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: -
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(252 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 172
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,250
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 21.5
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 23/32
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Focus ST
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
0ic
Engine Minor
©★
Engine Cooling
O ★
Trans. Major
Oic
Trans. Minor
e *
Drive System
O ic
Fuel System
©*
Electrical
O ★
Climate System
o ★
Suspension
Oic
Brakes
O ic
Exhaust
O ic
Paint/Trim
©*
Body Integrity
O ★
Body Hardware
o *
Power eguip.
©*
Audio System
• *
USED CAR
VERDICTS
O ic
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average Q
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 137
Ford Fusion
T he stylish Fusion is a delight to drive. All versions feel solid and
upscale, with a supple ride, agile handling, and a quiet cabin.
The main engines are a 1.5- and 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinders, both
mated to a six-speed automatic. We averaged 24 and 22 mpg
overall, respectively, which isn’t stellar. The 1.5-liter does the job,
but the 2.0-liter is punchier. We measured 39 mpg overall in the
Hybrid, which is excellent, but far from the EPA’s 47 mpg rating. All
versions have a nicely finished cabin with comfortable seats, but
the rear is somewhat snug. Reliability is average for all versions.
Ford Mustang
T he redesigned Mustang can play the part of stylish and sedate
or visceral and soul stirring. Base models use a 300-hp,
3.7-liter V6, but the big news is the 310-hp, 2.3-liter turbo four-
cylinder that’s aimed at balancing punch and fuel economy. Once
again, the GT features a V8, producing 435 hp. Both a slick six-
speed manual and automatic transmission are offered. Handling
is agile and balanced, while the ride is firm, yet tied down. New
features include keyless entry, push-button start, and the Sync info-
tainment system. In addition to fun, technology brings blind-spot
detection with cross-traffic alert and active cruise control.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O 1
FUEL ECONOMY
O 1
1 REPORT CARD
1 PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
' ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $22,400-$36,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: S, SE, SE Hybrid,
Titanium, Titanium Hybrid,
Energi SE, Energi Titanium
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (175 hp);
1.5-liter 4 turbo (181 hp);
2.0-liter 4 hybrid (188 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (231 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,615
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/33
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Fusion
(2.0L EcoBoost)
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
©e
Drive System
©e
Fuel System
QO
Electrical
©e
Climate System
©e
Suspension
ee
Brakes
ee
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
QO
Body Integrity
OO
Body Hardware
e©
Power eguip.
oe
Audio System
e«
USED CAR
VERDICTS
ee
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $23,600-$41,600
Body styles: 2-door hatchback;
convertible
Trim lines: Base, Premium, GT,
GT Premium
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (300
hp); 2.3-liter 4 turbo (310 hp);
5.0-liter V8 (435 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 188
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 54
Wheelbase (in.) 107
Weight (lb.) 3,720
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 670
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .22/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Mustang (V8)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©eeo*©o©e©
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
e©©e*e©©ee
Trans. Minor
e©ee*oeeo©
Drive System
e©©©*oe©oe
Fuel System
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Electrical
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Climate System
eeoo7k'ee©e©
Suspension
©oee*oeeoe
Brakes
©©e©*eo©©e
Exhaust
eeee7k^e©eee
Paint/Trim
©©e©*e©eo©
Body Integrity
e©eo*ooo©©
Body Hardware
©e©o*ooe©©
Power eguip.
©ee©*e©©oe
Audio System
©©ee*©eoo©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
eeeo*©o©©e
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
138 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Ford Taurus
T he Taurus puts styling ahead of interior comfort, driver visibility,
and ease of use, and the convoluted MyFord Touch control system
makes matters worse. Fuel economy from the 3.5-liter V6 is 21 mpg.
The six-speed automatic can be slow to shift and is not that smooth.
All-wheel drive is offered with the V6. A more fuel-efficient and refined
turbo four-cylinder is available. Otherwise, the Taurus is quiet, rides
comfortably, and has lots of features. Handling is responsive but not
sporty, and the turning circle is wide. The SHO, with standard all-wheel
drive, is quick but not that engaging to drive. A rear-view camera is
standard for 2015. Reliability of the Taurus has improved to average.
Ford Transit Connect
C onsider this derivative of the Focus a minivan substitute that can
seat five or seven. With its boxy shape and very tall roof you’d
be challenged to find more passenger space for the money. The
steady ride and agile handling is where the positives end, though. This
remains a rudimentary vehicle at heart, with an underpowered four-
cylinder, low-rent interior, cumbersome folding seats, and a skimpy
feature set. Unlike a minivan, you don’t get power doors or a rear-seat
entertainment system, and even Bluetooth connectivity costs extra.
The base four-cylinder managed only 21 mpg, and we see little indica-
tion that the up-level 1 .6-liter turbo four would do much better.
Sedans P F G VG E ;
Highest Rated
Limited V6
Lowest Rated
Tested modef: 2013 Limited sedan,
3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Minivans P F G VG E
Tested model: 2014 XLT wagon,
2.5-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY NA
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE ©
I FUEL ECONOMY O
Base price: $26,790-$40,105
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: SE, SEL, Limited,
SHO
Drive wheeis: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp): 3.5-liter V6 (288
hp); 3.5-liter V6 turbo (365
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 203
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 61
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 4,090
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 950
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 20.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/29
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Taurus
(non-turbo, FWD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
e
e
e
e
e
o
c
c
c
€
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
•ooeeoeeoe
Electrical
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•
•
•
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3
Suspension
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Brakes
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Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
oooo©oooo©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $22,130-$29,130
Body styles: van; wagon
Trim lines: XLT, XL, Titanium
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (169 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (173 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 72
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) 3,580
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,270
Cargo volume, cu.ft 61.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ford Transit Connect
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 139
G VEHICLE PROFILES
CMC Acadia
T he Acadia is one of GM’s roomy, car-based three-row SUVs. It
has a spacious and quiet interior, with a third-row seat that’s
roomy enough for adults. Seating for eight is available. In our
tests of its cousin, the Chevrolet Traverse, the smooth and refined
3.6-liter V6 returned 16 mpg overall, but it had to work a bit to haul
this heavy SUV. A recent freshening brought the better IntelliLink
infotainment system and less intrusive head restraints. Handling is
relatively agile and secure, and it steers nicely. The ride is taut yet
comfortable and steady. Rear visibility isn’t great, but clever extra
mirrors reduce side blind spots. Reliability has been average.
CMC Canyon
D eveloped by GMs’ Brazilian arm, the new Canyon and Chevro-
let Colorado arrive with a choice of a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder or
GM’s 3.6-liter V6. Both are mated to a standard six-speed automatic
transmission and offer rear- or four-wheel drive. V6 versions offer a
tow-haul mode. The truck comes with features from the full-sized
Sierra, such as a spring-loaded tailgate. Inside are the latest connec-
tivity systems including IntelliLink. They are also the first small trucks
to offer collision mitigation, systems including forward collision and
lane departure warnings. A backup camera is standard. A 2.8-liter,
four-cylinder diesel will be offered in 201 5.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
•
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $33,975-$49,690
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SL, SLE, SLT,
Denali
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (288 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 201
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 119
Weight (lb.) 4,975
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,405
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 48.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,200
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Acadia
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
•oooeeee
Engine Minor
o©©oo©oo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
••©eeeee
Trans. Minor
••o©eeee
Drive System
□•••oeee
Fuel System
o©«o©eee
Electrical
©ooeoooo
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
oooo©©©o
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
o««©©o©o
Body Hardware
©•©©©©©o
Power equip.
o#o©o©©©
Audio System
••o#o©o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $20,995-$36,950
Body styles: extended cab;
crew cab
Trim lines: Base, SLE, SLT
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Canyon
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©©©o©o©o
©0©©©©©0
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (200 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (305 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
o©o©o©oo
eee©©oee
Trans. Minor
Drive System
©©ee©eee
©o©oo©o©
Fuel System
••ooo©©o
Electrical
oo©oo©ee
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 212
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 79
Climate System ©©©©00©0
Suspension ©©©©©OO©
Brakes
Exhaust
©©o©©©oo
©oooo©©o
Wheelbase (in.) 128
Weight (lb.) 4,035
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,450
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,700
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/24
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
ooo#o#oo
©©©©o©oo
Body Hardware
Power equip.
©ooo©©o©
oo#©o©©©
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
©•o©oo©o
oooooo©o
New
140 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
G
W ith its redesign the Sierra (and similar Chevrolet Silverado) is
among our top-scoring pickups. Handling is more responsive
and the spacious cabin is as quiet as a luxury car’s. Benefits include
easy cabin access, simple controls, and generous towing and payload
capacities. Fuel economy with the popular 5.3-liter V8 crew cab we
tested was an exceptional 16 mpg overall. Other engines are a capa-
ble 4.3-liter V6 and powerful 6.2-liter V8, which gets an eight-speed
automatic for 2015. Its few shortcomings include a jittery ride and front
seats that aren’t as supportive as those in some competitors. First
year reliability of the redesign has been much below average.
ROAD TEST SCORE 80 ^
Pickups P F G VG E
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested modef: 2014 Chevrolet
Silverado 1500 LT crew cab 4WD,
5.3-liter V8, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $26,605-$53,155
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim iines: SL, SLE, SLT,
Denaii
Drive wheels: Rear, part-time,
or seiectabie 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear
Engines: 4.3-iiter V6 (285
hp); 5.3-iiter V8 (355 hp);
6.2-iiter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 230
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 74
Wheeibase (in.) 144
Weight (lb.) 5,415
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,705
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 11,200
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg 16/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Sierra 1500
(V8, 4WD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eeoooeeeee
Engine Minor
©©o©o©©ooo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
oooooo©©o©
Drive System
Fuel System
©©©©•©o©e©
Electrical
©©©oooo©o©
Climate System
e
e
c
c
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3
Suspension
©©©oo©©©oo
Brakes
©©00©©©©00
Exhaust
Raint/Trim
oo##©#oo©©
Body Integrity
©©ooo©o©©o
Body Hardware
©©0#©0©©©0
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©©©©oo©©oo
Audio System
•oooo©oooo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©oo©©ooo©#
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
GMC Sierra 2500HD
T he Sierra HD and its twin, the Chevrolet Silverado HD, are
designed for heavy towing and hauling. The 6.0-liter V8 and
6.6-liter turbodiesel are both mated to a six-speed automatic, and
are carry-overs on the 2015 redesign. There is also a natural gas
(CNG) version of the 6.0-liter V8. GM said that the new cabs and
interiors provide increased space and comfort, with extensive stor-
age space. The new Sierra 2500HD has standard head-curtain and
seat-mounted side air bags.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
1 OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
1 FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $31,565-$53,740
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: WT, SLE, SLT,
Denali
Drive wheeis: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear
Engines: 6.0-liter V8 (360
hp); 6.6-liter V8 turbodiesel
(397 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 240
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 78
Wheelbase (in.) 154
Weight (lb.) 7,420
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). 13,000
Fuel
Regular or diesel
ERA city/hwy, mpg NA
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Sierra 2500 &
3500 HD (diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©o©©e:iceeee
Engine Minor
©©©©o*o©oo
Engine Cooling
0©©©0*00©0
Trans. Major
©©000*0000
Trans. Minor
©o©o©*o©oo
Drive System
©©o©©*oo©o
Fuel System
©©o©o*oooo
Electrical
©o©oo*o©oo
Climate System 0©©©©*©000
Suspension
0©00©*©0©0
Brakes
©©©©o*©©oo
Exhaust
ooooo*©ooo
Paint/Trim
©©o©o*©©©©
Body Integrity
©©©oo*©©o©
Body Hardware
0©©0©*©00©
Power eguip.
©©0©©*©0©0
Audio System
©ooo©*oooo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
00©0©*0©©0
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 141
G VEHICLE PROFILES
T he Terrain, and its Chevrolet Equinox twin, straddles the small and
midsized SUV categories. It has a taut, yet supple and controlled
ride, with responsive and secure handling. The raspy 2.4-liter four-
cylinder averaged a respectable 21 mpg overall, but acceleration is
not brisk; The 3.6-liter V6 is better., but a dithering transmission makes
this SUV feel sluggish, and fuel economy averaged just 18 mpg. The
interior is well finished and cabin access is easy, but wide roof pillars
block the rear view. The rear seat is comfortable and roomy. Changes
for 201 5 include a standard built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Reliability has been
above average but it scored too low in our tests to be recommended.
F or 201 5, the redesigned Yukon gets a more luxurious interior,
power folding second- and third-row seats, and, more importantly,
available blind spot monitoring and cross traffic alerts. Beyond that,
fuel economy from the 5.3-liter V8 and six-speed automatic improves
to a whopping 16 mpg. The Magnetic Ride Control suspension on
the Denali is an important upgrade to ride and handling safety. The
6.2-liter engine is a meaningful upgrade, but can’t make this big barge
quick. Properly equipped, the Yukon has towing capacity of 8,500
pounds. But most car-based SUVs are more efficient and have better
handling. Reliability of the redesign has been average.
Highest Rated
1LT 4
Lowest Rated Q]
0 100
Tested model: 2010 Chevrolet
Equinox 1LT 4-door SUV AWD,
2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
O
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $26,560-$37,240
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SLE1, SLE2, SLT1,
SLT2, Denali
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (182 hp);
3.6-liter V6 (301 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 188
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 3,945
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,095
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/29
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Terrain (4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
• Qoee
Engine Cooling
eeeee
Trans. Major
oeeee
Trans. Minor
ooooo
Drive System
«eeee
Fuel System
• oeee
Electrical
o©ooo
Climate System
• oeee
Suspension
oeeee
Brakes
oeeee
Exhaust
oeeee
Paint/Trim
oooee
Body Integrity
ooooo
Body Hardware
ooeee
Power equip.
oooee
Audio System
©oooo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
e©ooo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average O
Base price: $46,335-$65,680
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SLE, SLT, Denali
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp);
6.2-liter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 204
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 5,635
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,580
Cargo volume, cu.ft 47.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,200
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Yukon (2015)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
o
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
142 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
G
CMC Yukon XL
I f you need space for seven or more passengers, their stuff, and
towing capacity for a big traiier, iittie eise but the Yukon XL wiii do.
Redesigned for 201 5, it gets a sumptuous interior and power foiding
second- and third-row seats. The Denaii makes for a more compeiiing,
if more expensive, package with its powerfui 6.2-iiter V8 and Magnetic
Ride Controi suspension, which seriousiy improves ride and handiing
safety. Biind spot monitoring and cross traffic aiert are avaiiabie. Past
that, it’s pretty much your oid-fashioned Yukon XL, with a 5.3-iiter V8
and six speed automatic. Fuei economy improves to a whopping 1 6
mpg. We have insufficient data to predict reiiabiiity of the redesign.
Honda Accord
T he basic four-cyiinder Accord is our Top Pick among famiiy
sedans, it rides and handies weii, has a roomy and weii-fin-
ished interior, and gets an impressive 30 mpg overaii with its mostiy
unobtrusive CVT. The 3.5-iiter V6 is iiveiy and refined, and gets a
very good 26 mpg overaii with the six-speed automatic. The Hybrid
version gets 40 mpg overaii and operates smoothiy, but it doesn’t
ride or handie as weii as other Accords, it aiso ioses the foid-down
rear seat, and the battery takes up trunk room. A Piug-in version
avaiiabie in some states has a ciaimed eiectric range of 13 miies.
Reiiabiiity has been average or better for aii versions of iate.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE gy
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
j
SLT V8
Lowest Rated
Ba
0 100
Tested model: 2015 SLT 4-door
SUV 4WD, 5.3-liter V8, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $49,035-$68,380
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SLE, SLT, Denali
Drive wheels: Rear, selectable
4WD, or AWD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.3-liter V8 (355 hp);
6.2-liter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 224
Width (in.) 81
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 130
Weight (lb.) 5,945
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,455
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 62.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .15/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
GMC Yukon XL
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
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Base price: $22,105-$35,055
Body styles: coupe; sedan
Trim lines: LX, LX-S, Sport,
EX, EX-L, Touring, Hybrid,
Plug-in Hybrid
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (185, 189
hp); 2.0-liter 4 hybrid (196
hp); 2.0-liter 4 electric (196
hp); 3.5-liter V6 (278 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 1-speed direct; CVT;
6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,245
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 27/36
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda Accord Sedan
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 143
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Honda CR-V
T he CR-V is one of the more sensible and competitively priced
small SUVs. Its 1 85-hp four-cylinder is smooth and responsive,
and returned a commendable 23 mpg overall in our tests. For 201 5
the Honda gets a mild freshening, including a continuously variable
transmission, the availability of some active safety features, and, on
uplevel versions, a tricky-to-use radio. Handling is responsive in ordi-
nary driving, but it doesn’t shine at the limits. Braking is excellent. The
ride is absorbent and composed but road noise is pronounced. The
rear seats are roomy, and lowering them is a breeze. The view back is
hurt by small rear windows, but the standard rear-view camera helps.
ROAD TEST SCORE yg
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
EX 4
Lowest Rated
Eil
0 100
Tested model: 2012 EX 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., 5-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Base price: $23,320-$32,770
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LX, EX, EX-L
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
Engine Major O
Engine Minor ©
Engine Cooling O
Trans. Major ©
Trans. Minor O
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 178
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) 103
Weight (lb.) 3,450
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 36.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/33
Drive System
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Better than average ©
T he CR-Z is a rather unimpressive two-seat hybrid that’s based
on the Insight and Fit. It uses a 1 .5-liter four-cylinder gas
engine that makes 130 hp. Electric power is used to enhance per-
formance, and acceleration is further enlivened by a Sport mode.
We got 35 mpg overall in our tests, which isn’t terribly impressive
for a small hybrid. The engine shuts off at idle but that also kills the
/VC, which is maddening in the summer. Handling is responsive,
but still not very sporty and the ride is rather jumpy. Visibility to the
rear is severely compromised. A rear-view camera is standard on all
trim lines.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $19,975-$23,805
Body styles: 2-door hatchback
Trim lines: Base, EX
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 1.5-liter 4 hybrid
(130 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 161
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 55
Wheelbase (in.) 96
Weight (lb.) 2,635
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 400
Cargo volume, cu.ft 25.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 31/38
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda CR-Z
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
O * * *
Engine Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
144 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
H
Honda Civic
H onda’s popular compact has a comfortable ride, relatively
responsive handling, good braking, and a nice, quiet interior.
The EX version adds automatic climate control, but it also includes
a confusing touchscreen audio system. All versions come with a
standard backup camera. The powertrain is smooth and unobtru-
sive, with a well-adapted and unobtrusive continuously variable
transmission (CVT). Fuel economy ranges from 30 mpg overall for
the EX and 32 mpg for the HF to an impressive 40 mpg for the
hybrid, which uses a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder and CVT. Rear seating is
fairly spacious for this class.
Honda Civic Si
Q Recommended
A vailable as either a coupe or a four-door sedan, the Civic Si
uses a powerful 201 -hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that
revs easily, sounds invigorating, and delivers a commendable 29
mpg overall fuel economy. The six-speed manual transmission has
ideally spaced gear ratios and shifts crisply. However, as a sports
sedan the Si falls short. While the handling is capable it is uninspir-
ing and lacking in finesse, due to the lackluster steering feel and
response. The ride is very stiff and noise levels are extremely high.
The Si also feels insubstantial, with subpar interior quality. Reliabil-
ity has been well above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $18,290-$29,290
Body styles: coupe; sedan
Trim lines: LX, EX, HF, EX-L,
Hybrid, Natural Gas
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.5-liter 4 hybrid
(110 hp): 1.8-liter 4 (110 hp);
1.8-liter 4 (143 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed man-
ual; CVT; 5-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 2,830
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or eng
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 30/39
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda Civic Sedan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
00©©©©0000
Fuel System
Electrical
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Much better than average O
Base price: $22,790-$24,490
Body styles: coupe; sedan
Trim lines: -
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (205 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 2,890
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 22/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Honda Civic Si
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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Much better than average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 145
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Honda Crosstour
W ith seating for five, a raised ride height, and optional AWD, the
Crosstour wagon/SUV is based on the previous-generation
Accord. We like the high seating position, the spacious cabin with
its comfortable seats, and the smooth powertrain. The 3.5-liter V6
gets 21 mpg overall with the new six-speed automatic. However, the
freshening also brought a convoluted control interface and electric
power steering that’s devoid of road feel. The styling impedes the view
to the rear and hurts cargo space, handling is clumsy, and the turning
circle is wide. All of this resulted in the Crosstour scoring too low to be
recommended. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder is available on FWD versions.
Honda Fit
T he redesigned 201 5 Fit retains its strengths while improving in
crash tests, gaining power, and adding connectivity features. The
ride is hard and knobbly, but handling is nimble. Engine and road
noise are pronounced. In our tests, we got 33 mpg overall with the
new 1 .5-liter, four-cylinder and CVT. A six-speed manual is also avail-
able. It retains the tall, upright greenhouse and great visibility, along
with the versatile, folding rear seat. A slightly longer wheelbase allows
for a more spacious interior with improved rear leg room. A rear-view
camera and Bluetooth are standard. Available amenities include a
moonroof, heated seats, and a seven-inch touchscreen.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $27,230-$37,090
Body styies: wagon
Trim iines: EX, EX-L
Drive wheeis: Front or AWD
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda Crosstour,
Accord Crosstour
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (192 hp);
3.5-liter V6 (278 hp)
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©©OO*
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Transmissions: 5-speed auto-
Engine Cooling
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matic; 6-speed automatic
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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Exterior dimensions
Length (in.)
Width (in.)
. . 197
. . . 75
Suspension
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Height (in.)
. . . 66
Exhaust
0000:1;
Wheelbase (in.)
Weight (lb.)
% weight front/rear . .
Cargo measurement
. . .110
4,075
57/43
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
©©oo*
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Max. load (lb.)
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . .
Towing capacity (lb.). .
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . .
. .850
. 22.0
.1,500
Power eguip.
o©©©*
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
©o©o*
©©©o*
.19/28
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $15,525-$20,800
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: LX, EX, EX-L
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.5-liter 4 (130 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 160
Width (in.) 67
Height (in.) 60
Wheelbase (in.) 99
Weight (lb.) 2,625
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 17.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 32/38
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda Fit
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
©©oo©ooo
Electrical
oo©©©ooo
Climate System
o©ooo©©o
Suspension
Brakes
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Paint/Trim
00©©©0©0
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0©©©©0©0
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Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
146 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
H
Honda Odyssey
T his versatile hauler combines clever and generous packag-
ing with responsive handling and a supple ride. Its vigorous
3.5-liter V6 and smooth six-speed automatic returned an excellent
21 mpg overall in our tests. The Odyssey can seat eight with ease,
with varying configurations for cargo and passenger needs. Easy
access, excellent child-seat accommodations, and abundant cabin
storage add to the family-friendly quotient. Among our few gripes is
the tediously complicated dual touch-screen infotainment system.
In addition, fit and finish and some material selection is not what
one would expect at this price point, and AWD isn’t available.
he Pilot has impressive functionality and seating for eight, but is
showing its age. Acceleration from the smooth, refined six-cylinder
engine and five-speed automatic is not that quick. In our tests we got
18 mpg overall. The ride is supple and controlled, but road noise is
elevated. Handling is sound, but it doesn’t shine at its limits, and brak-
ing is not terrific. The interior is particularly well finished and the dash
is a mix of similar-looking buttons. The 60/40-split second- and third-
row seats fold flat into the floor to expand cargo room. A rear-view
camera is standard on all trim lines. We can no longer recommend the
Pilot because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
ROAD TEST SCORE 84
Minivans P F G VG E
Tested modei: 2014 EX-L minivan,
3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $28,975-$44,600
Body styles: minivan
Trim lines: LX, EX, EX-L,
Touring, Touring Elite
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (248 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 203
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 118
Weight (lb.) 4,530
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,340
Cargo volume, cu.ft 61.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 19/28
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda Odyssey
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
0©0©©©0000
Engine Minor
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Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
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PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $29,870-$41,620
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LX, EX, SE, EX-L,
Touring
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (250 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Honda Pilot
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©©o©o©oooo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
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Drive System
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 73
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 4,550
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,340
Cargo volume, cu.ft 48.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 4,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/24
Climate System © ©
Suspension
©©
Brakes
©©
Exhaust
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Paint/Trim
©©
Body Integrity
©©
Body Hardware
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VERDICTS ©©©©00©©00
NEW CAR . ^
PREDICTION °
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 147
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Hyundai Accent
H yundai’s entry-level subcompact is a basic yet sensible sedan
or hatchback. The sedan with the very smooth and responsive
automatic attained 31 mpg overall, and we got 32 mpg for the stick-
shift hatchback in our tests. Though the front cabin is roomy enough,
the rear is a bit cramped, which is on par for this class. Handling
is fairly responsive, but the ride is rather jittery. Noise levels are
elevated but not offensive. Standard safety gear includes six air bags
and active front head restraints. The controls are straightforward.
Reliability has been average. We can no longer recommend the
Accent because it scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
Hyundai Azera
Q RecomnierKied
T he Azera is stylish and refined, with a nicely finished and quiet
interior. Its smooth 3.3-liter V6 and six-speed automatic provide
strong performance and return a good 23 mpg overall. But the ride
is too stiff for a large sedan, and feels busy, even on the highway.
Handling lacks agility and the steering weight feels artificial. The
cabin is spacious, with comfortable front seats, a roomy rear, and
generous luxury touches throughout. The 2015 model gets various
interior and exterior updates, as well as available blind-spot detec-
tion, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision and lane-depar-
ture warning. Reliability has been above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
GLS 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2012 GLS sedan,
1.6-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
3.3L V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2012 3.3L sedan,
3.3-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $14,645-$17,395
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: GLS, GS, SE
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (138 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Accent
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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★★©©©©★©©★
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 172
Width (in.) 67
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 2,550
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 28/37
Climate System
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PREDICTION
Base price: $32,250
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 3.3L
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.3-liter V6 (293 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 193
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,795
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/29
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Azera
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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PREDICTION
Better than average ©
148 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
H
Hyundai Efantra
Q Recommended
T he Elantra sedan combines nimble and secure handling with a
fairly comfortable ride. The 1 .8-liter four-cylinder and six-speed
automatic deliver solid performance and a very good 29 mpg overall.
Some versions get a more powerful 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The car is
well equipped for the price, the interior is nicely laid out, and rear-
seat room is decent. Our major gripe is the pronounced road and
engine noise. The GT hatchback is stylish and competent enough,
but not a standout. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall is nothing
special, and the hatchback suffers from a loud cabin and stiff ride.
Reliability has been above average.
Hyundai Equus
Q Recommended
H yundai’s flagship competes with the largest luxury sedans,
but costs a good deal less. While the ride is comfortable,
body motions can be a bit buoyant and handling is ponderous.
Power delivery is smooth and refined from the standard V8 and
eight-speed automatic. The interior is spacious and well finished,
but some controls are complex. Overall, the Equus doesn’t quite
measure up to the established luxury brands, but it fills the space
vacated by the big Cadillac and Lincoln highway cruisers. Avail-
able features include adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure
warning system.
Sedans PF G VG E [
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2011 GLS sedan,
1.8-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE 80 ^
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Signature V8
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2011 Signature sedan,
4.6-iiter V8, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $17,250-$22,600
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: SE, Limited, Sport,
GT
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 (145 hp);
2.0-liter 4 (166 hp); 2.0-liter
4 (173 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 179
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 2,770
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 28/38
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Elantra
Sedan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©0©©©©0000
Engine Minor
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Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
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PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $61,500-$68,750
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Signature, Ultimate
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 5.0-liter V8 (421 hp);
5.0-liter V8 (429 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 203
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 120
Weight (lb.) 4,570
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 17.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .15/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Equus
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
* * * O
Engine Minor
★ ★ ★ o
Engine Cooling
★ ★ ★ o
Trans. Major
* * * o
Trans. Minor
o
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★ ★ ★ o
Fuel System
* * * o
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★ ★ ★ o
Climate System
★ ★ ★ o
Suspension
* * * o
Brakes
o
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★ ★ ★ o
Paint/Trim
* * * ©
Body Integrity
★ ★ ★ o
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★ ★ ★ o
Power equip.
* * * ©
Audio System
*•*■*©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*•*■*©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 149
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
F or about $1 0,000 less than European luxury cars, the Hyundai Gen-
esis delivers just about every feature buyers could imagine, minus
the fancy nameplate. Offered as a quick V6 with all-wheel drive or as a
potent rear-wheel drive only V8, the Genesis has responsive handling
and a comfortable ride, though neither can match its German com-
petitors. Controls are refreshingly simple for a luxury car at this level.
Rear seat passengers are coddled in thick leather with seat heaters,
but space is adequate, rather than generous. High-end models come
with lane-departure warning, automatic braking, cross-traffic alert, and
blind-spot monitoring. Fuel economy is a competitive 20 mpg for the all-
wheel drive. We don’t have reliability data for the new Genesis yet.
T he Genesis Coupe has potential, but several flaws hold it back.
The 3.8-liter V6 engine is powerful and sounds great; the noisy
turbocharged four-cylinder has been dropped. The Coupe is sporty
and agile, and the communicative and direct steering makes it
fun to drive. However, the car is let down by its imprecise, clunky
manual shifter and very stiff, unsettled ride. Front-seat occupants
will find plenty of room, but as in most coupes, the rear seat is very
cramped. A backup camera is now available. Reliability has been
below average, and the Coupe’s low owner satisfaction score in our
survey is also noteworthy.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
3.8 V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2015 3.8 sedan AWD,
3.8-liter V6, 8-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sporty cars P F G VG E
Highest Rated
3.8 Grand Touring V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2010 3.8 Grand
Touring coupe, 3.8-liter V6, 6-speed
manual
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Base price: $38,000-$51,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 3.8, 5.0
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.8-liter V6 (311 hp);
5.0-liter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 197
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 119
Weight (lb.) 4,530
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/25
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Genesis
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
o©©oo*
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
©©ooo*
Drive System
Fuel System
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VERDICTS
©o©oo*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $26,750-$34,600
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: 3.8 Base, 3.8
R-Spec, 3.8 Ultimate
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.8-liter V6 (344 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 55
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,460
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 710
Cargo volume, cu.ft 10.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Genesis
Coupe
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
O**©*
Engine Minor
© ★ ★ o ★
Engine Cooling
o ★ ★ o ★
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
150 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
H
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
H yundai’s three-row midsized SUV is now roomy, stylish, and
comfortable. The long-wheelbase Santa Fe has a 3.3-liter
V6 mated to a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic that
attained a decent 20 mpg overall in our tests. Handling is sound
and utterly secure if not exactly sporty. Another plus is the settled,
compliant ride. The well-finished cabin brings a lot of features for
the money. Rear visibility is severely hampered; a backup camera
is now standard. Access is easy to the front and rear, but more dif-
ficult to the cramped third row. Reliability has been average.
he five-passenger version of Hyundai’s midsized SUV is also
roomy, stylish, and comfortable. The Sport rides well, has a quiet
interior, and is powered by a responsive 190-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylin-
der mated to a smooth and responsive six-speed automatic. We got
a very good 23 mpg overall with this engine. A 2.0-liter turbocharged
four-cylinder is also available. Handling is sound, but not exceptional,
and the steering feels numb. The well-finished cabin is packed with a
lot of standard features. Thankfully, the price of the optional backup
camera has come down. Reliability of the non-turbo version has
been average, but the turbo is below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
4-door SUV 4
Lowest Rated
Ki1
0 100
Tested model: 2013 Base 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Base price: $29,900-$35,750
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: GLS, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.3-liter V6 (290 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 193
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 4,210
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,295
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 40.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Santa Fe
(V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Average O
Base price: $24,950-$32,400
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, 2.0T
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (190 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (264 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 185
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,760
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 930
Cargo volume, cu.ft 35.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/26
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Santa Fe,
Sport (4-cyi.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 151
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Hyundai Sonata
T he Sonata has a quiet cabin, a comfortable ride, and good rear-
seat room and access. Handling is sound and responsive enough,
But the SE that we tested had lackluster tire grip, affecting braking
and emergency handling. Engine choices a 2.4-liter four-cylinder and
a 2.0-liter turbo four, both mated to a six-speed automatic. We mea-
sured a so-so 28 mpg overall with the 2.4-liter. The controls are easy
to reach and simple to use. Available safety features include adaptive
cruise control, forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning,
and blind-spot detection. An Eco model, with a 1 .6-liter turbo four-
cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch, is new.
Hyundai Tucson
T he Tucson is a worthy, but unexceptional small SUV that’s
available in front- and all-wheel drive versions. The 2.4-liter,
four-cylinder engine returns a good 22 mpg overall, and the six-
speed automatic is smooth and responsive. Handling is secure, but
uninspiring. The ride is stiff and road noise is pronounced, which
makes the Tucson feel insubstantial, particularly when compared
with newer competitors. The cabin is reasonably spacious, and the
interior is well trimmed, with easy-to-use controls. The front seats
are supportive, but the low rear seat lacks thigh support. The styl-
ing robs cargo space and inhibits the view to the rear.
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
GLS 4
Lowest Rated
Ril
0 100
Tested model: 2010 GLS 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $21,150-$29,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: SE, Eco, Sport,
Limited, Sport 2.0T
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 turbo
(166 hp): 2.4-liter 4 (185 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (245 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 3,315
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/37
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Sonata
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
*©0©©©©000
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Audio System
*©o©o©o#o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*©©©ooo©©©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $21,500-$27,800
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: GLS, SE, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (164 hp);
2.4-liter 4 (182 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Tucson
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©o©o*©o©oo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
0000:k09000
Trans. Minor
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 173
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,355
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 25.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/25
Climate System ©O©#*©©©©©
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Raint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Rower equip.
Audio System
©o©o*oo©©o
©©©©*©©©©©
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USED CAR
VERDICTS ©0©0':*r0©000
NEW CAR n „ A
PREDICTION Better than average ©
152 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
H
Hyundai Vefoster
T he sporty Veloster hatchback has three doors, with the right-
side rear door providing access to the tight rear seat. The
1 .6-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power, and the
precise manual shifter has low-effort throws. A dual-clutch, six-
speed automated manual and a conventional six-speed manual are
available. Handling is responsive and secure. While the ride is quite
stiff, it isn’t punishing. Despite the split rear window, visibility to the
rear is decent. A more powerful 201 -hp turbo four and six-speed
automatic are available. Reliability has been below average.
Infiniti Q50
W hile the Q50 is quick, an underwhelming driving experience limits
its sporty credentials. On the luxury front, fit and finish, ride com-
fort, and noise isolation aren’t impressive. Handling is lackluster, mostly
due to the dull steering. Ride comfort is unsettled and suffers from the
run-flat tires. The punchy powertrain isn’t a model of refinement and
fuel economy is not impressive. For the class, the cabin is quite roomy
and the rear seat is hospitable, but the front seat has a short cushion.
Even more frustrating is the agonizingly slow-responding touchscreen
interface. First year reliability has been much below average, and a low
owner-satisfaction score from our survey is also noteworthy.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
, ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Premium V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested modef: 2014 Premium sedan
AWD, 3.7-liter V6, 7-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $18,000-$23,600
Body styles: 3-door hatchback
Trim lines: Base, Turbo
R-Spec, Turbo
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (138 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 166
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 55
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 2,765
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 700
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/35
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
Base price: $36,700-$48,150
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, Premium, S,
Hybrid Premium, Hybrid S
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
n
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Hyundai Veloster
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Infiniti Q50
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
OOic
o o ★
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (328 hp);
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
o o ★
©o*
3.5-liter V6 hybrid (360 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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©©*
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 188
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 57
Climate System
Suspension
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•
Brakes
Exhaust
o o *
o o ★
Brakes
Exhaust
e
e
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
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• •ic
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,835
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 19/27
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
e
©
Body Hardware
Power equip.
• O*
©©*
Body Hardware
Power equip.
©
©
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
© © -A-
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
•
•
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average
•
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 153
I VEHICLE PROFILES
I nfiniti’s coupe and convertible remain on the old G37 platform but
are renamed Q60. The convertible retains many of the qualities
in the sedan, including the muscular powertrain, nimble handling,
and plush interior. But the ride is stiffer and less comfortable and
the rear seat is very cramped and hard to reach. Noise isolation is
also down a notch. With the power hardtop retracted, body shake
becomes noticeable and the already small trunk is all but elimi-
nated. The strong 3.7-liter V6 is mated to a seven-speed automatic,
making it quick yet returning 20 mpg overall. The interior has high-
quality materials and easy-to-use controls.
Infiniti 070
T he Q70 is very quick and handles responsively. Its punchy
330-hp, 3.7-liter V6 and smooth seven-speed automatic return
decent fuel economy of 21 mpg overall. A V8 and a V6 hybrid are
also available. However, the transition between electric and gas
mode in the Hybrid is too abrupt. Handling is fairly agile, and the
ride is firm yet compliant. The car is quiet, but not super-hushed,
due to some engine noise at high revs. Interior quality is top-
notch, and the rear seat is roomy. The controls are easy to use. An
optional blind-spot intervention system can keep the car in its lane
by selectively using the brakes. An extended L version is new.
ROAD TEST SCORE
P F G VG E
Convertibles
Highest Rated
convertible V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2009 Infiniti G Base
convertible, 3.7-liter V6, 7-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $40,950-$62,100
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: Base, Sport,
Journey, IPL
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (325 hp);
3.7-liter V6 (330 hp); 3.7-liter
V6 (343 hp): 3.7-liter V6
(348 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 7-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Height (in.).
Cargo measurement
Fuel
Premium
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Infiniti G Coupe &
Conv., Q60
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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. . 183
. . . 73
Suspension
*
Brakes
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. . . 55
Exhaust
*
. . .112
.4,120
.51/49
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
*
*
Body Hardware
*
. .750
. .10.0
. . .NR
Power eguip.
*
Audio System
*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*
.18/26
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Base price: $49,850-$67,050
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 3.7, Hybrid, 5.6, L
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (330 hp);
3.5- liter V6 hybrid (360 hp);
5.6- liter V8 (416 hp); 5.6-liter
V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 195
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 3,895
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/26
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Infiniti M, Q70
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
OOOOicOOOic
Engine Minor
©©©©*©©©★
Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
©©©©*©©o*
Drive System
©O©©*©©©*
Fuel System
©©©©*©©©*
Electrical
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Climate System
©©©©*©©©*
Suspension
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Body Integrity
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Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©©©*o©©*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
154 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
T he QX50 is essentially a wagon version of the old G37 sedan,
with similar agile handling and a steady, taut ride. The powerful
3.7-liter V6, delivers strong acceleration, but this small pseudo-
SUV is very cramped inside. The rear seat is tight, and the cargo
area is tiny. Styling has somewhat compromised rear visibility. The
interior is nicely finished and while the controls are daunting at first,
they’re ultimately logical. The optional lane-departure system works
with the electronic stability control system to keep the vehicle on
course.
T his midsized luxury crossover is spacious, quiet, and well-
finished with room for seven, but without the bulk of a full-size
SUV. It has a comfortable ride, but handling lacks agility. Its 265-hp,
3.5-liter V6 and continuously variable transmission deliver smooth,
but just adequate, acceleration and returned 19 mpg overall on
premium fuel. However, towing capacity is a low 3,500 pounds. A
family-friendly feature is the ability to gain access to the third row
even with a child seat installed in the second row. A hybrid version
with a 2.5-liter, supercharged four-cylinder is new for 2014. Reli-
ability has dropped to well below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $35,000-$38,600
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Journey
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (325 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 63
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 4,015
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 24.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 17/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Infiniti EX, QX50
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
0*00***
Engine Minor
© * o o * * *
Engine Cooling
© * o o * * *
Trans. Major
0*00***
Trans. Minor
0*00***
Drive System
© * o o * * *
Fuel System
0*00***
Electrical
© * o o * * *
Climate System
0*00***
Suspension
©*oo***
Brakes
0*00***
Exhaust
0*00***
Paint/Trim
©*©o***
Body Integrity
© * o © * * *
Body Hardware
0*0©***
Power equip.
0*00***
Audio System
© * o o * * *
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©*oo***
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $42,100-$46,500
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Hybrid
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 hybrid
(250 hp): 3.5-liter V6
(265 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 4,530
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,150
Cargo volume, cu.ft 39.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Infiniti JX, QX60
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
oo
Engine Minor
oo
Engine Cooling
oo
Trans. Major
©©
Trans. Minor
©©
Drive System
o©
Fuel System
oo
Electrical
oo
Climate System
©o
Suspension
oo
Brakes
©©
Exhaust
oo
Paint/Trim
oo
Body Integrity
o©
Body Hardware
©©
Power equip.
o©
Audio System
o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 155
I VEHICLE PROFILES
A n older model, the QX70 stands out with bold styling, an eager
powertrain, and responsive handling. We tested the previously
named FX with the 3.5-liter V6, which got 18 mpg overall. Since then,
the engine was upgraded to a 3.7-liter V6. Body roll is well suppressed,
although the QX70 isn’t exactly agile, and the ride is quite stiff. The
fairly roomy cabin is well-finished and mostly quiet, except for the loud
engine. However, the curvy styling hurts visibility and robs cargo space.
A wide array of optional safety features includes autonomous braking
and forward-collision warning. The surround-view camera system gives
a bird’s-eye view while parking. The V8 has been dropped.
Infiniti QX80
T his very large SUV has a plush, luxurious, and quiet interior. The
QX80 has a steady and supple ride, but handling is ungainly.
The seven-speed automatic transmission and 400-hp 5.6-liter V8
provide smooth and strong performance but it chugs premium fuel,
returning just 15 mpg overall. The tall step-up into the cabin is an
ungracious affair. Cargo volume is plentiful, and there’s a usable
third-row seat. Handling is cumbersome in everyday driving and
doesn’t shine at its limits. Electronic safety aids include lane-depar-
ture and blind-spot warning systems, and a panoramic rear-view
camera. Infiniti’s Backup Collision Intervention system is optional.
SUVs
Highest Rated
P F G VG E
FX35 V6
Lowest Rated Q]
0 100
Tested model: 2009 FX35 4-door
SUV AWD, 3.5-liter V6, 7-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
ROAD TEST SCORE g
8
SUVs
P F G
VG E
Highest Rated
4-door SUV V8
Lowest Rated
Ri1
0
100
Tested model: 2011 4-door SUV 4WD, |
5.6-liter V8, 7-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $45,850-$47,300
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 3.7
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (325 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 4,225
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 950
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 25.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NOT
ENOUGH
DATA
TO
RATE
Base price: $61,350-$64,450
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Limited
Drive wheels: Rear or perma-
nent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.6-liter V8 (400 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Infiniti QX56, QX80
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
kkkkkkkOkk
Engine Minor
kkkkkkkOkk
Engine Cooling
kkkkkkkOkk
Trans. Major
kkkkkkkOkk
Trans. Minor
Drive System
kkkkkkkOkk
Fuel System
kkkkkkkOkk
Electrical
kkkkkkkOkk
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 208
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 76
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) 5,990
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,590
Cargo volume, cu.ft 49.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 14/20
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
■k -k -k -k -k
k k k k k
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
k k k k k
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
k k k k k
★ ★ O ★ ★
O ★ ★
k k 9 k k
O ★ ★
★ ★ © ★ ★
* * O * *
Better than average ©
156 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Jaguar F-Type
J aguar’s F-Type resurrects the brand’s sports-car heritage. Three
supercharged engines are offered: two V6s ranging from 340
to 380 horsepower and a 495-hp V8. The eight-speed automatic
works well but the shifter is fussy. For the convertible, Jaguar
chose a soft-top design in the interest of folding speed, lighter
weight, and trunk space. In initial drives we noted that the body
is solid and free of shakes, and open top motoring is free of wind
buffeting. The exhaust note is quite brash. The ride is very taut and
controlled and handling is responsive and capable, with communi-
cative steering. The coupe includes an R version with a 550-hp V8.
Jaguar XF
T he midsized Jaguar XF is something of a boutique selection: styl-
ish, expensive, and a little whimsical— even eccentric. It’s one of
the sportiest-handling cars in its class. Driving dynamics are on par
with the Audi A6 and BMW 5 Series, but the XF has better steering.
The ride is compliant and composed with underlying firmness. Most
versions use the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 and eight-speed automatic.
The base engine is a four-cylinder; three powerful V8s top the range.
Our AWD V6 proved very quick and agile. Its coupe-like styling takes a
toll on access and visibility. The cabin is beautifully finished, but snug,
especially in back, and the controls are needlessly complicated.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
ROAD TEST SCORE
80
Sedans P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
3.0 V6
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2013 3.0 sedan AWD, I
3.0-liter V6 supercharged, 8-speed
j automatic
1
Y ■
/
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $65,000-$165,000
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: Base, V6 S, V8 S,
R, Project 7
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (340 hp); 3.0-liter
V6 supercharged (380 hp);
5.0-liter V8 supercharged
(495, 550, 575 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 176
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 103
Weight (lb.) 3,520
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 420
Cargo volume, cu.ft 7.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 19/27
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jaguar F-Type
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $50,175-$99,000
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.0, 3.0, Super-
charged, XFR, XFR-S
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (240
hp); 3.0-liter V6 supercharged
(340 hp); 5.0-liter V8 super-
charged (470 hp); 5.0-liter V8
supercharged (510 hp); 5.0-liter
V8 supercharged (550 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 195
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,335
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 880
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 4,080
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/26
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jaguar XF
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 1
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 157
J VEHICLE PROFILES
Jaguar XJ
T he capable, luxurious XJ sports sedan comes in both regular
and long-wheelbase form. Powered by a refined 5.0-liter V8,
the big XJ is quiet, very quick, and handles with agility. The ride is
supple and steady. The plush interior is crafted with genuine wood
trim, copious amounts of leather, and abundant chrome details.
But some controls are confusing. The complex touch screen for
the climate, audio, and navigation systems responds slowly. Our
tested long-wheelbase XJL has a sumptuous backseat, but the low
roofline impedes head room and access, and the trunk is small. A
supercharged V6 and all-wheel drive are available as well.
Jeep Cherokee
T his small SUV could be a contender, but the Dart-based Cherokee
is too underdeveloped and unrefined. If you have your heart set
on one, get the 3.2-liter V6 in Limited trim. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder is
slow and gets lousy fuel economy for the class— just 22 mpg overall.
The nine-speed automatic is not all that responsive or refined. Han-
dling is competent, but short on agility and the ride is jittery. Its a quiet
SUV, with a comfortable backseat and a state-of-the-art infotainment
system. Limited trims can be equipped with many high-end features.
The Trailhawk is very capable off-road, and the V6 can tow an impres-
sive 4,500 pounds. First year reliability has been much below average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
82
Sedans P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
XJL V8
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2011 XJL sedan,
5.0-liter V8, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $74,200-$119,000
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, Portfolio,
XJL Portfolio, Supercharged,
XJL Supercharged, XJR
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (340 hp); 5.0-liter V8
supercharged (470 hp); 5.0-liter
V8 supercharged (550 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 207
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 124
Weight (lb.) 4,200
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 880
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/27
I RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jaguar XJ
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $22,995-$30,395
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Sport, Latitude,
Limited, Trailhawk
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (184 hp);
3.2-liter V6 (271 hp)
Transmissions: 9-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 4,120
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,000
Cargo volume, cu.ft 31.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 4,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 19/27
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jeep Cherokee (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
e
Engine Minor
e
Engine Cooling
e
Trans. Major
e
Trans. Minor
•
Drive System
©
Fuel System
©
Electrical
e
Climate System
e
Suspension
e
Brakes
e
Exhaust
e
Paint/Trim
e
Body Integrity
©
Body Hardware
©
Power eguip.
©
Audio System
USED CAR
o
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
Much worse than average
•
PREDICTION
•
158 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Jeep Compass
T he 2014 Compass received a freshening that replaces the
CVT with a six-speed automatic for most models. But it is still
outdated and uncompetitive. Its low-speed ride is composed, and
handling is secure, but not agile. The sluggish 2.4-liter four-cylinder
returned 22 mpg overall. The upright front seats are narrow and are
not particularly comfortable, and the cabin is cramped. Controls
are straightforward, and the interior, though basic, is constructed of
somewhat better materials. The high belt line makes the cabin feel
claustrophobic, and the styling restricts visibility to the rear. Reli-
ability has dropped to well below average.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
T he midsized Grand Cherokee SUV has a solid, upscale interior,
comfortable seats, and a supple, controlled ride. Handling is
fairly agile for the class, fit and finish is impressive, and the eight-
speed automatic is smooth. The standard 3.6-liter V6 returned
so-so fuel economy. Two V8s, a 5.7 liter and the SRT’s 6.4 liter, are
optional. The good-performing diesel returned 24 mpg. The Ucon-
nect infotainment system, with its large, well-labeled touch screen,
is one of the easiest-to-use systems we’ve tested. Appropriately
optioned, the Grand Cherokee makes a good tow vehicle or a capa-
ble off-roader. Reliability of all versions has been well below average
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Latitude 4
Lowest Rated fcW
0 100
Tested modef: 2011 Latitude 4-door
SUV 4WD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
•
1 ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $18,995-$28,195
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Sport, Latitude,
Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (158 hp);
2.4-liter 4 (172 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed man-
ual; CVT; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.)
Fuel
Regular
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Jeep Compass
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Climate System
. . .173
...69
Suspension
Brakes
...65
Exhaust
.. 104
3,590
55/45
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
. .925
. 26.5
.1,000
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
.21/26
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
Base price: $29,595-$64,395
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Laredo, Limited,
Overland, Summit, SRT
Drive wheels: Rear or
permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbod-
iesel (240 hp); 3.6-liter V6
(290 hp); 5.7-liter V8 (360
hp); 6.4-liter V8 (470 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,900
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,050
Cargo volume, cu.ft 36.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,200
Fuel
Regular or diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg .... 17/24
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jeep Grand Cherokee
(V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 159
J VEHICLE PROFILES
Jeep Patriot
A lthough the Patriot small SUV has a compliant ride and mostly
simple controls, little else stands out. Even with its 2014 fresh-
ening, which included replacing the CVT with a six-speed auto-
matic for most versions, it’s pretty much outdated and outclassed.
Handling lacks agility. The sluggish 2.4-liter four-cylinder returned
just 21 mpg overall. Once inside, passengers will notice the narrow
cabin, wide center console, and small windows, which give the
car a closed-in feeling. On top of all that, the cargo area is small.
Reliability has been average, but the Patriot scores too low for us
to recommend it.
Jeep Renegade
B uilt in Italy and based on the Fiat 500L, the Renegade is Jeep’s
first subcompact SUV. It offers traditional Jeep values such as
some off-road ability and open-air driving thanks to its large sun-
roof. It gets two familiar engines: a 1 .4-liter turbo four-cylinder or a
2.4-liter four-cylinder. Front-wheel drive models will have an optional
six-speed manual, but most versions will come with the nine-speed
automatic. An off-road-worthy Trailhawk will be offered. Safety
features include available forward-collision and lane-departure warn-
ing, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross path detection and a backup
camera. Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system is optional.
ROAD TEST SCORE
56
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
Latitude 4
Lowest Rated
Kil
0
100
Tested model: 2011 Latitude 4-door
SUV 4WD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST ©
OWNER SATISFACTION O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY O
Base price: $16,695-$26,695
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Sport, Latitude,
Limited
Drive wheels: Front or perma-
nent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (158 hp);
2.4-liter 4 (172 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed man-
ual; CVT; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 174
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,350
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 29.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .21/26
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jeep Patriot
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
* o * © o o * o
Engine Minor
★ ©★OOOlIrO
Engine Cooling
★O^OO©*©
Trans. Major
ic9icOOOicO
Trans. Minor
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Fuel System
* © * o © © * ©
Electrical
★ ©★©©o-*-©
Climate System
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Exhaust
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
★©*oo©*o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $20,000-$30,000E
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Latitude, Trailhawk
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo (160
hp); 2.4-liter 4 (184 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 9-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jeep Renegade
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 167
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 3,310
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/28
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
160 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Jeep Wrangler
Kia Cadenza
A s an everyday vehicle, the Wrangler trails most SUVs. However,
for mainly off-road use, few vehicles are better. The Wrangler uses
Chrysler’s 3.6-liter V6 and five-speed automatic, which returned 1 7
mpg overall in our tests. While the Jeep is better than it’s ever been,
the ride still rocks and jiggles constantly, and handling is very clumsy.
Wind noise is very loud at highway speeds. Getting in and out is an
awkward act, and the interior is uncomfortable. Off-road performance
is still impressive, but the Rubicon performs better than our tested
Unlimited Sahara did. IIHS side-crash results without the optional side
air bags are unimpressive. Reliability has been well below average.
he Cadenza is a competent and credible competitor among
large sedans. There’s a lot here for the money, including a luxu-
rious, quiet interior, a roomy backseat, responsive handling, and a
comfortable ride. The 293-hp, 3.3-liter V6 engine and standard six-
speed automatic combine to make a slick powertrain that delivers
a competitive 22 mpg overall. Controls are refreshingly easy to use.
A host of electronic safety aids are available, but some of the most
useful ones are bundled into expensive options packages. First
year reliability has been well above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
•
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE 2
10 \
SUVs PEG
VG E
Highest Rated
Unlimited Sahara V6Part
Lowest Rated trM
0
100
Tested model: 2012 Unlimited Sahara
4- door SUV 4WD, 3.6-liter V6,
5- speed automatic
Base price: $22,695-$35,395
Body styles: 2-door SUV;
4-door SUV
Trim lines: Sport, Unlimited
Sport, Sahara, Rubicon,
Unlimited Sahara, Unlimited
Rubicon
Drive wheels: Part-time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (285 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 5-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 173
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 71
Wheelbase (in.) 116
Weight (lb.) 4,570
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 34.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 16/20
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Jeep Wrangler
(4-door)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
oeoeeoee
Engine Minor
••©o©©©o
Engine Cooling
•o©©o©oo
Trans. Major
©o©e©eee
Trans. Minor
©•e©©©ee
Drive System
•©•o©©ee
Fuel System
•©□•©©oe
Electrical
©©•©©ooo
Climate System
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Suspension
•©•o©oee
Brakes
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••oo©o©o
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
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©o©©o#oo
Audio System
© 0©©©©©0
USED CAR
VERDICTS
•©•□©••o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
Base price: $34,900-$43,800
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Premium, Limited
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.3-liter V6 (293 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,765
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/28
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
n
TROUBLE
Kia Cadenza
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14
Engine Major
e
Engine Minor
e
Engine Cooling
e
Trans. Major
e
Trans. Minor
e
Drive System
e
Fuel System
©
Electrical
e
Climate System
e
Suspension
e
Brakes
e
Exhaust
e
Paint/Trim
e
Body Integrity
e
Body Hardware
©
Power equip.
e
Audio System
©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
e
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average
e
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 161
K VEHICLE PROFILES
Kla Forte
Q Recommended
K ia’s Forte provides generous interior room and a wide assort-
ment of amenities. The sedan offers seating for five in a sleek,
stylish design. Our tested base LX sedan got 28 mpg overall with
the 1 .8-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic. It has a smooth
powertrain and a relatively quiet cabin. EX models are powered by a
2.0-liter four-cylinder. The hatchback and coupe get a 1 .6-liter turbo.
The Forte is available with a host of features not normally found in
the class, including front/rear heated and ventilated seats, and a
heated steering wheel. Kia claims the 2015 models get better fuel
economy. First year reliability of the redesign has been average.
Kia K900
K ia’s new flagship is the brand’s first rear-drive model and cousin
of the Flyundai Equus. It is offered with a smooth and punchy
420-hp V8, with a 3.8-liter V6 coming later. The K900 is like a tradi-
tional freeway cruiser: more comfortable wafting along in a straight
line than carving corners. The base infotainment system uses a
9.2-inch screen, while top trims get a 12-inch display. A central con-
troller manages the menus and selections, but it takes some getting
used to. The cabin is very roomy. Safety options include blind-spot
and lane-detection systems, rear cross-traffic alert, a wraparound
camera, and front-collision warning.
Base price: $15,890-$21,890
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
coupe; sedan
Trim lines: LX, EX, SX
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 (145 hp);
2.0-liter 4 (173 hp); 1.6-liter 4
turbo (201 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 180
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 2,815
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/39
REPORT CARD
1
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia Forte
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eeeee
Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
©ooo©
Drive System
©o©oo
Fuel System
©©oo©
Electrical
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Climate System
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Exhaust
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Body Integrity
©ooo©
Body Hardware
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o©©©o
Audio System
oo©oo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oo©©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
i.
NA
Base price: $59,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: V6, V8
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.8-liter V6 (311 hp);
5.0-liter V8 (420 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia K900
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 201
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 120
Weight (lb.) 4,555
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .15/23
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Raint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Rower equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
162 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
K
Kia Optima
Q Recommended
K ia’s version of the previous generation Hyundai Sonata is a
good car but falls a bit short of its corporate cousin in ride
comfort, braking, and fuel economy. It handles well but the ride is
borderline stiff and road noise is noticeable. The standard 2.4-liter
four-cylinder performs well. Top-level trims get a turbo four-cylinder
that’s economical and powerful but not as refined as competitors’
V6 engines. A hybrid is also available. The front seats are comfort-
able, but the rear seat is low. The styling detracts from rear visibility
and access. Reliability has been average.
Kia Rio
T he Rio comes as a sedan or hatchback and is a corporate
cousin of the Hyundai Accent. Power comes from a 138-hp,
1 .6-liter four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic. Fuel econ-
omy of 29 mpg overall with our automatic-equipped hatchback isn’t
stellar for the class. The sedan version returned 30 mpg. The Rio
feels solid compared with some other subcompacts. Its stiff ride
and noisy cabin are typical of the genre, but not unbearable. Higher
trim models offer amenities such as heated seats and a rear-view
camera, but they can push the price up steeply. Reliability has been
above average.
Sedans P F G VG E (
Highest Rated
LX 4
Lowest Rated
0 loot
Tested model: 2011 LX sedan,
2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
•
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $21,650-$35,500
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: LX, EX, SX, Hybrid,
Limited
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (192 hp);
2.4-liter 4 hybrid (199 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (274 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 3,260
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 23/34
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia Optima (4-cyi.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
**©©0*0000
Engine Minor
**©oo*o©oo
Engine Cooling
**000*0000
Trans. Major
**o©o*oooo
Trans. Minor
**©©0*0000
Drive System
**©00*0000
Fuel System
**o©o*©ooo
Electrical
**©o©*©©oo
Climate System
**oo©*©©oo
Suspension
**©oo*o©oo
Brakes
**©00*0000
Exhaust
**o©o*oooo
Paint/Trim
**oo©*©©oo
Body Integrity
**oo©*o©o©
Body Hardware
**©©©*oo©o
Power equip.
**©©o*©o©o
Audio System
**ooo*©©o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
**©©o*©oo©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $13,900-$18,240
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: LX, EX, SX
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (138 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 172
Width (in.) 68
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 2,575
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 27/37
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia Rio
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
******** 0 *
Engine Minor
******** 0 *
Engine Cooling
******** 0 *
Trans. Major
******** 0 *
Trans. Minor
******** 0 *
Drive System
******** 0 *
Fuel System
******** 0 *
Electrical
******** 0 *
Climate System ********©*
Suspension
******** 0 *
Brakes
******** 0 *
Exhaust
******** 0 *
Paint/Trim
********©*
Body Integrity
******** 0 *
Body Hardware
********0*
Power equip.
******** 0 *
Audio System
******** 0 *
USED CAR
VERDICTS
********©*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 163
K VEHICLE PROFILES
Kla Sedona
T he redesigned Sedona is available in seven- or eight-passenger
seating capacities. Under the hood is the same 276-hp, 3.3-liter
V6 engine used in the Sorento SUV, matched with a six-speed
automatic. Buyers can opt for a three-passenger second row or
captain’s chairs with footrests. A new front console provides handy
concealed storage. Newly available safety features include forward-
collision, blind-spot, and cross-traffic alert systems. Look for the
UVO infotainment system to feature downloadable Internet radio
and convenience apps, along with vehicle monitoring services for
geo-fencing and curfew alert.
Kla Sorento
T he Sorento offers lots of interior space yet is easily maneuverable
and not too bulky in day-to-day driving. Its refined 290-hp, 3.3-liter
V6 averaged 20 mpg in our tests. Base models get a 2.4-liter direct-
injected four-cylinder. The ride is a little jiggly, and handling, though
responsive and secure, isn’t exactly sporty. Comprehensive infotain-
ment and electronic connectivity features are available and work well.
The EX trim brings comfortable leather seats among its long list of
features. An optional third-row seat is OK for small children. Reliability
has been average, but we can no longer recommend the Sorento
because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
1
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
1 FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $25,900-$39,700
Body styles: minivan
Trim lines: L, LX, EX, SX, SX
Limited
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.3-liter V6 (276 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 201
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 69
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) 4,550
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/24
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia Sedona
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Base price: $24,300-$41,700
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LX, EX, SX, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (191 hp);
3.3-liter V6 (290 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 4,235
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,120
Cargo volume, cu.ft 37.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Kia Sorento (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©**©*
• •••
Engine Minor
0**0*
©©©•
Engine Cooling
• * * • *
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Average O
164 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
K
Kia Soul
Kla Sportage
T he Soul brings more to the table than quirky styling. There’s abun-
dant interior space, with the chair-like seats and big windows
providing an excellent view out. Though fundamentally a budget
hatchback, the Soul looks and feels like a low-riding SUV. The driving
experience isn’t special: the ride is stiff, and handling is sound, but
unexceptional. Power delivery from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder feels just
adequate, and its 26 mpg overall is not outstanding. An impressive
options list includes heated seats, touch-screen navigation, and a
backup camera. An electric version is available in California. First year
reliability of the redesign has been above average.
T he Sportage handles nimbly and has a refined powertrain. But
it has a stiff ride, pronounced road noise, and acceleration
is leisurely. The base 2.4-liter four-cylinder got a good 22 mpg in
our tests. The top-trim SX has a stronger, turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder that gets 21 mpg overall, but has a stiffer ride due to
different suspension tuning and tires. While the sporty styling may
look appealing, it compromises cargo space and impairs the view
out, especially to the rear. Cabin appointments are basic but nicely
fitted. Reliability has been above average. The Sportage scored a
Poor in the I IMS small-overlap crash test.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
SUVs P F G VG E
Lowest Rated B3
0 100
j Tested model: 2011 LX 4-door SUV
- AWD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed auto-
j matic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY ©
OWNER COST ©
OWNER SATISFACTION Q
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE ©
FUEL ECONOMY O
Base price: $15,100-$20,700
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: Base, Plus, !, EV
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: Electric (109 hp);
1.6-liter 4 (130 hp); 2.0-liter 4
(164 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic;
1-speed direct
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia Soul
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
e©eee
Engine Minor
©eeee
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System © O © O O
Electrical O © © O O
Base price: $21,750-$29,600
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LX, EX, SX
Drive wheeis: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (182 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (260 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Kia Sportage
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
*0000*000*
Engine Minor
*©o©o*ooo*
Engine Cooling
*©000*000*
Trans. Major
*o©oo*ooo*
Trans. Minor
*©©00*000*
Drive System
*oo©o*©©o*
Fuel System
*©o©o*ooo*
Electrical
*©oo©*©o©*
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 163
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 63
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 3,055
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 24.5
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or electric
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .23/31
Climate System
Suspension
oo©oo
Brakes
©©©o©
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 175
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,375
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 28.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 19/26
Climate System ★©©•©★©©©★
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
*oo©©*ooo*
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USED CAR
VERDICTS *©©0©*00©*
NEW CAR n „ A
PREDICTION Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 165
L VEHICLE PROFILES
Land Rover Discovery Sport
T he Discovery Sport will replace the LR2 for 2015. This more-
efficient, Evoque-based package will offer seating for seven
with a small third-row seat. Power comes from a 240-hp, 2.0-liter
turbo four-cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic. Available
safety features include lane departure, blind-spot warning, and an
optional Traffic Sign Recognition feature. An all-wheel drive system
coupled with Land Rover’s Terrain Response system provides some
off-road capability. Despite a base price of $37,995, typically-
equipped versions will likely run into the upper $40,000 to low
$50,000 range.
Land Rover LR2
T he car-based LR2 is Land Rover’s smallest and least pricey
model. Power comes from a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-
cylinder, which averaged 21 mpg overall when we tested it in the
Evoque. The AWD system can be adjusted for varying terrain, and
delivers decent off-road ability. The ride is firm but steady, and the
steering is well weighted and provides good feedback. In our test
of the LR2, it disconcertingly lifted two wheels at its handling limits.
Outward visibility is excellent. The interior is nicely finished, but
the controls are confusing. A new seven-seat Discovery Sport will
replace the LR2 in early 2015.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
1 OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
1 FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA 1
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $37,995-$50,000E
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SE, HSE, HSE Lux
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp)
Transmissions: 9-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Land Rover
Discovery Sport
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 181
Width (in.) 82
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 4,055
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . .4,410
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
Base price: $36,600
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, HSE, HSE
LUX
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 69
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 4,325
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,100
Cargo volume, cu.ft 30.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Land Rover LR2
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
166 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Land Rover LR4
C ompared with the rest of the Land Rover line, the LR4 is looking
a bit dated. The ride is supple, but can get unsettled. Handling,
though ultimately secure, is not a strong suit. The LR4 leans and
lumbers when hustled through corners. A 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and
8-speed automatic are standard. The roomy cabin is comfortable, quiet,
and luxuriously appointed, but some controls are confusing. The third-
row seat is usable by adults, and cargo capacity is generous, but the
two-piece tailgate is fussy to use. Off-road capabilities are top-notch,
partly because of the height-adjustable suspension and electronic
adjustments for various terrain types.
Land Rover Range Rover
O wners of any ultra-luxury sedan will feel right at home in the
quiet, serene-riding Range Rover. The 340-hp supercharged
V6 and excellent eight-speed automatic provide effortless motiva-
tion, but this SUV focuses more on quiet capability than dexterity.
Handling is responsive and secure, but not sporty. Still, it features
Rover’s latest electronic terrain-coping mechanisms, which give
it impressive off-road abilities. We averaged 17 mpg on premium
fuel— not great but better than most rivals. First-rate cabin furnish-
ings and comfortable seats are pluses, but some of the touch-
screen controls are complex, out-dated, and slow-responding.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
■ OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
ROAD TEST SCORE
mi
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
HSE V6
Lowest Rated E3
0 100
Tested model: 2014 HSE 4-door SUV
4WD, 3.0-liter V6 supercharged,
8-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $50,595-$60,795
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, HSE, HSE
LUX
Drive wheels: Permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (340 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 72
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 5,710
% weight front/rear . . .49/51
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,300
Cargo volume, cu.ft 52.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . . 7,715
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/23
1* RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Land Rover LR4
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $83,300-$142,100
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, HSE, SC V8,
Autobiography
Drive wheels: Permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (340 hp); 5.0-liter V8
supercharged (510 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 197
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 72
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 5,300
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 960
Cargo volume, cu.ft 34.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . . 7,715
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Land Rover Range
Rover
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 1
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 167
L VEHICLE PROFILES
O verall, the Evoque compact SUV is more about style than func-
tionality. It’s based on the LR2 and comes in two- and four-door
versions. We tested the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder, mated to a six-
speed automatic, and got 21 mpg overall. A new nine-speed auto-
matic is standard. Acceleration and fuel economy are commendable,
but the ride is choppy, and noise levels are elevated. Interior room
and visibility are sacrificed for the striking silhouette. Controls are a
bit quirky. Routine handling is quite agile, but becomes disconcert-
ing at the limits. The Evoque’s Terrain Response system facilitates
moderate off-road capability— uncommon in this class.
T he latest Range Rover Sport is based on the larger, more
sedate Range Rover, with a unibody frame and aluminum con-
struction. But the Sport focuses more on agility and handling prow-
ess and less off-road ability. A low range is optional. Power comes
from a strong 3.0-liter supercharged V6 or a 510-hp, 5.0-liter super-
charged V8, both mated to an eight-speed automatic. The Sport
delivers an engaging driving experience, with taut, agile handling,
but the ride is stiff and choppy. The cabin is luxurious, but some
controls are behind the times. Rear seat room is generous and a
tiny power-folding third-row seat is available.
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Pure 4
Lowest Rated
Kil
0 100
Tested model: 2012 Pure 4-door SUV
AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
HSE V6
Lowest Rated E3
0 100
Tested model: 2014 HSE 4-door SUV
4WD, 3.0-liter V6 supercharged,
8-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $41,100-$57,600
Body styles: 2-door SUV;
4-door SUV
Trim lines: Pure, Pure Plus,
Pure Premium, Prestige,
Dynamic
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp)
Transmissions: 9-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 172
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 3,940
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,025
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 25.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/28
I RELIABILITY HISTORY ]
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Land Rover Range
Rover Evogue
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $62,600-$92,400
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SE, HSE, SC V8,
Autobiography
Drive wheels: Permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 super-
charged (340 hp); 5.0-liter V8
supercharged (510 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 5,255
% weight front/rear . . .49/51
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,345
Cargo volume, cu.ft 31.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . . 7,715
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Land Rover Range
Rover Sport
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 1
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
168 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Lexus CT 200h
T he CT 200h hybrid got a mild freshening, with exterior and inte-
rior styling updates, and some tweaks to tame ride and noise.
This small hatchback has excellent fuel economy, but its refinement
isn’t up to the Lexus standard. Using the same powertrain as the
Prius, the CT’s 40 mpg is 4 mpg less than the roomier Prius. The
CT can drive solely on electric power at low speed. Handling is
responsive and secure, but the ride is stiff and choppy. The cabin
is nicely trimmed, but the rear seats are tight, cargo capacity is
limited, and the rear view is limited. Reliability has been outstanding
but it scored too low in our tests to recommend.
Lexus ES
L exus ultimately hurt the ride comfort and made the controls com-
plex in its redesign of the ES. In our tests, the powerful 3.5-liter
V6 and six-speed automatic got a good 25 mpg overall. The ride
is decent but not as plush as before, and worse with the optional
18-inch wheels. Handling is sound but unexceptional. Inside, the quiet
cabin looks good at first, but cheap touches are apparent. The control
interface is distracting and convoluted unless you skip the navigation
system. The hybrid is more appealing, thanks to its combination of
size and luxury, and impressive 36 mpg overall and 44 on the highway
in our tests. But a Camry provides much of the same for less money.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $32,050-$37,885
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: Base, Premium, F
Sport
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 hybrid
(134 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 171
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,225
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 43/40
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lexus CT 200h
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
OOOic
Engine Minor
e e e
Engine Cooling
e e e *
Trans. Major
eeoTk
Trans. Minor
e e e *
Drive System
©oo*
Fuel System
OOOic
Electrical
oo©*
Climate System
e e e *
Suspension
OOOic
Brakes
OOOic
Exhaust
OOOic
Paint/Trim
o©o*
Body Integrity
oo©*
Body Hardware
©©o*
Power equip.
OOOic
Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
eee*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
Base price: $37,550-$40,430
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 350, 300h
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 hybrid
(200 hp): 3.5-liter V6 (268
hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 193
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,575
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 21/31
I RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lexus ES (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
ee©eeeeeee
Fuel System
Electrical
©ooooo©ooo
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
©oooo©o©oo
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©©©©©©ooo
Body Integrity
e©e©e©eeee
Body Hardware
Power equip.
e©oe©eeeee
Audio System
0©©©00©0©0
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 169
L VEHICLE PROFILES
Lexus GS
T he GS is a competitive luxury sports sedan in terms of ride,
handling, quietness, and roominess. A strong 306-hp, 3.5-liter
V6 is the standard engine. There’s also an eight-speed automatic
on the rear-wheel drive versions. All-wheel drive is optional, and
uses a six-speed automatic. A 338-hp hybrid version with CVT is
also available. Interior space is on par for the class and the cabin is
nicely furnished. A mouse-like controller works the navigation sys-
tem and audio controls, but it is fussy and distracting to use. The
car is engaging to drive, with good handling and a taut, yet supple
ride. Reliability of the GS has been well above average.
Lexus GX
T he GX 460 SUV is very quiet and quick. Like its Toyota 4Runner
corporate cousin, the GX is a body-on-frame design that is
capable off-road and has a high tow rating. The 4.6-liter V8 engine
and six-speed automatic make for a slick powertrain that gets a
pretty good 17 mpg overall. Handling is lumbering but ultimately
secure. The ride is very comfortable, and off-road ability is com-
mendable. Inside, the cabin is plush and well finished. The small
third-row seat folds neatly into the floor when not in use, but the
side-swinging rear door can be inconvenient at times.
ROAD TEST SCORE
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
ilJi
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $47,700-$60,430
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 350, F Sport, 450h
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp);
3.5-liter V6 hybrid (338 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,845
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/29
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lexus GS (6-cyl.,
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
V6)
13 14
Engine Major
icmoommo
ee
Engine Minor
*o©©ooo
ee
Engine Cooling
*©o©oo©
ee
Trans. Major
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ee
Trans. Minor
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Drive System
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Fuel System
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Electrical
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Climate System ★ O © O © O ©
ee
Suspension
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Brakes
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Exhaust
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Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
*©o©ooo
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Body Hardware
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Power equip.
*©oo©©o
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Audio System
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©e
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*©©©o©o
ee
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average
e
Base price: $49,085-$60,715
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 460, 460 Premium
Drive wheels: Permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 4.6-liter V8 (301 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 5,170
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,155
Cargo volume, cu.ft 36.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 15/20
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
Lexus GX
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
oee©7k^eeeee
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
eeee7k^©eeee
Trans. Minor
e©©e*©eeee
Drive System
Fuel System
©ee©7k^e©eee
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
©©©o*©©ee©
Brakes
o©o©*o©o©e
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©e©*©©©ee
Body Integrity
©ee©*©e©©e
Body Hardware
o©©©*oeoee
Power equip.
oee©7k'eee©e
Audio System
©©ee*©©©©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oeeo*eeeee
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
170 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Lexus IS
Lexus LS
Recommended
he IS falls short as a sports sedan. While the 250’s small V6 is
refined, performance is pokey and its 21 mpg overall is unreason-
ably thirsty. The IS 350 is punchier, but also underwhelming to drive.
Handling is secure but not engaging enough for a true sports sedan.
Ride comfort is neither tied down nor plush. Even by the class’s
minimal standards, the IS interior is extremely cramped. Getting in and
out is an ungraceful chore. Fit and finish is OK, but not a standout.
Controls use a mouse-like controller, which proves fussy and distract-
ing. AWD is optional. Reliability of the 3.5-liter is well above average;
the 2.5-liter is average, but it scores too low to be recommended.
T he Lexus flagship sedan delivers luxurious, highly refined, and
fuss-free motoring with a comfortable and serene ride. It has
an exceptionally quiet cabin, and is laden with features. Fit and
finish is excellent. The recent freshening made handling a bit more
responsive while retaining the silky ride. The eight-speed automatic
is very smooth and responsive. The extended-length version has
generous rear-seat room. All-wheel drive and a self-parking feature
are optional. The LS 600h hybrid comes with standard all-wheel
drive. The LS gets the Entune system and the same fussy and
distracting-to-use mouse-controlled screen found in the GS.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $36,550-$49,790
Body styles: convertible;
sedan
Trim lines: 250, 250 F sport,
350, 350 F Sport
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter V6 (204
hp); 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 3,715
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/27
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lexus IS 250 Sedan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
omoeoooiio
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
•©©0000*0
Fuel System
©©©oo©o*o
Electrical
©o©o©oo*o
Climate System
Suspension
©©o©ooo*o
Brakes
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Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©©0000*0
Body Integrity
©oo©ooo*o
Body Hardware
©oooo©o*o
Power equip.
Audio System
©©ooo©©*o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
ooo©ooo*o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $72,140-$120,060
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 460, 460L, F
Sport, 600h L
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 4.6-liter V8 (360
hp); 4.6-liter V8 (386 hp);
5.0-liter V8 hybrid (438 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 8-speed
automatic
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lexus LS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
oooo©ooooo
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
ooo©oooooo
Trans. Minor
0009000000
Drive System
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 205
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 122
Weight (lb.) 4,515
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/24
Fuel System OOOOOOOOOO
Electrical 0 © 0 ©© 0©000
Climate System 00000000©0
Suspension 00 © 0##©©00
Brakes ©©0©000©00
Exhaust OOOOOOOOOO
Paint/Trim © 0 © 000©000
Body Integrity © 00©©©0000
Body Hardware ©©©©© 0©000
Power equip. ©©© 00000©0
Audio System ©© 0 © 0 ©©© 0 ©
USED CAR
VERDICTS 00©©000000
NEW CAR uu„ .u A
PREDICTION Much better than average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 171
L VEHICLE PROFILES
T his luxury SUV is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser, itself quite
plush and upscale. The LX uses the strong 5.7-liter V8 from
the Tundra pickup. It has a comfortable ride and a quiet, nicely
appointed cabin. Our tested Land Cruiser got only 14 mpg overall
but was very impressive off-road. Like the Toyota, the LX has an
off-road crawl mode that manages throttle and braking over tough
terrain. The height-adjustable suspension further enables the LX to
traverse off-road. Unfortunately, the power-folding third-row seat
folds up to the sides of the interior, which limits cargo space.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA I
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $89,930
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 570
Drive wheels: Permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.7-liter V8 (383 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 197
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 5,995
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,410
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 7,000
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 12/17
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NOT
ENOUGH
DATA
TO
RATE
L exus finally enters the luxury compact SUV market with the NX.
Most versions use the brand’s first turbo engine, a 235-hp, 2.0-liter
four-cylinder, mated to a six-speed automatic. A hybrid version, the
NX 300h, uses a 194-hp powertrain with a CVT. The interior combines
luxurious materials with contemporary polished metal surfaces for a
sophisticated look. The dash gets a multi-purpose center screen and
marks the first use of the new Lexus Remote Touch Interface. In our
brief experience we found the turbocharged powertrain quite smooth.
The interior is rather snug, and the NX delivers a sportier, less cushy
driving experience than the larger RX SUV.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $38,000-$46,000E
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 200t, 200t F
Sport, 300h
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 hybrid
(194 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(235 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 4,050
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 840
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/28
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lexus NX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NO
Fuel System
Electrical
DATA
Climate System
Suspension
NEW
Brakes
Exhaust
MODEL
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
172 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
T he all-new RC is a stylish sports coupe with seating for four.
Essentially a coupe version of the IS sedan, it uses a stan-
dard 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed, paddle-shifted
automatic. An all-wheel-drive version is available with a six-speed
automatic. Top-trim RC F versions, fitted with a 467-hp, 5.0-liter
V8, target the BMW M4. This prodigious output is routed to the rear
wheels with a torque-vectoring differential, which sends power to
the wheel that has the most grip. This version is super quick, with a
sweet engine note. The various driving modes sharpen throttle and
steering response.
Lexus RX
T he RX is a refined, quiet, and plush SUV. It rides comfortably and
has a very well-finished interior. But handling is lackluster, and
the steering gives little feedback. Emergency handling is ultimately
secure. The 3.5-liter V6 provides strong acceleration and a com-
mendable 21 mpg overall. The RX 450h hybrid got an impressive 26
mpg overall. The optional navigation system includes a mouse-like
controller atop the console. It maneuvers through simple menus and
gives tactile feedback, but ordinary tasks require too much attention
from the driver. The rear seat is roomy, but the styling impairs rear
visibility and cargo volume.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $43,71 5-$63, 325
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: 350, 350 F Sport,
F
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (306 hp);
5.0-liter V8 (467 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 185
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 55
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,750
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 700
Cargo volume, cu.ft 10.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 19/28
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Lexus RC
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
Base price: $40,970-$49,020
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 350, F Sport, 450h
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (270 hp);
3.5-liter V6 hybrid (295 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 188
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 4,870
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 30/28
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Lexus RX
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
eeeeeeeee
Engine Cooling
e
e
e
e
e
c
c
o
o
Trans. Major
eeoeeeeee
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
eeeeeeeee
Electrical
0©©©©©©00
Climate System OOOOOOOOO
Suspension
ooooo©©oo
Brakes
©o©©oooo©
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
ooooo©©©o
Body Integrity
©o©©©©©©©
Body Hardware
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e
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c
c
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Power equip.
©©©©©o©oo
Audio System
0©©©©0©©©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average 0
►
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 173
L VEHICLE PROFILES
Lincoln MKC
T he MKC adds luxury and high-tech features to the Ford Escape
platform. Power is strong from both the 2.0- and 2.3-liter turbo
four-cylinders. In our tests, we got 19 mpg overall with the 2.3-liter.
Combined with the small gas tank, that results in a short cruising
range. A fussy, dash-mounted push-button shifter controls the six-
speed automatic. None of the adaptive suspension modes make for a
truly comfortable ride. Handling is secure but agility is no match for its
German rivals. A quiet cabin, plush trim, easy access, and decent rear-
seat room enhance livability, but rear visibility is limited. Thankfully, the
MyLincoln Touch controls now use knobs and buttons.
Lincoln MKS
T his large. Ford Taurus-based car is not very competitive. The
uplevel 3.5-liter turbo V6 has plenty of power, with little loss in
fuel economy. However, the base 3.7-liter V6 lacks refinement. The
suspension has three modes, none of which are ideal. Comfort mode
results in some floating over road undulations, but is otherwise mostly
comfortable. Sport mode, however, is just stiff. Handling, while secure,
lacks agility. The interior is well-finished, but the driving position and
foot-well are narrow. A small opening limits the usefulness of the trunk,
and a high rear deck limits visibility. The MyLincoln Touch system is
distracting. Reliability has been below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $33,100-$35,595
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Premiere, Select,
Reserve
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 2.3-liter 4 turbo
(285 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 179
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 4,070
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 30.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/26
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lincoln MKC
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NO
Fuel System
Electrical
DATA
Climate System
Suspension
NEW
Brakes
Exhaust
MODEL
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $42,810-$49,800
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, EcoBoost
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (304 hp);
3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 206
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 62
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 4,265
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 950
Cargo volume, cu.ft 19.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/27
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Lincoln MKS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
oo©*o*
Engine Cooling
0 0 0 -k O -k
Trans. Major
OOOkOk
Trans. Minor
OeOkOk
Drive System
9 9 O k O k
Fuel System
O 9 9 k 9 k
Electrical
O©©*©*
Climate System
O©#*©*
Suspension
©OO*©*
Brakes
Exhaust
O O O ilr O lie
Paint/Trim
•00*0*
Body Integrity
©•o*©*
Body Hardware
©©©*•*
Power equip.
©©©*o*
Audio System
©••*•*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©oo*©*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
174 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Lincoln MKT
T his three-row SUV is based on the Ford Flex. Base models are
powered by a lackluster 3.7-liter V6. The uplevel turbo V6 version
we tested was quick, and returned 18 mpg overall. The ride is com-
fortable but stiffer than that of the Flex. Flandling lacks agility and the
MKT is cumbersome at its cornering limits. The interior is very roomy,
plush, and quiet. But despite its many luxury amenities, visibility and
driving position are compromised. The third-row seats are best suited
for kids. A wide turning circle and overall length hamper maneuver-
ability. Recent updates have added the frustrating MyLincoln Touch
system. Reliability of the turbo V6 has been well below average.
Lincoln MKX
L ike its Ford Edge corporate cousin, the MKX is unimpressive. Its
3.7-liter V6 provides strong performance, but the transmission
is unrefined. Handling, though sound, isn’t agile, and the ride is too
ordinary for a luxury vehicle. Although quiet, at this price the cabin
should be much quieter. The MyLincoln Touch interface, which con-
sists of a touch screen and touch-sensitive buttons, makes adjust-
ing the climate, audio, and other functions distracting and tedious.
Despite attractive wood and leather trim, overall interior quality is a
mixed bag. Reliability has improved to average but the MKX scores
too low to be recommended.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $43,050-$45,045
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 3.7, 3.5 EcoBoost
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY 1
Base price: $38,900-$40,850
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: -
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lincoln MKT
EcoBoost
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lincoln MKX
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (303 hp);
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©**©★
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (305 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©eee©eee
3.5-liter V6 turbo (365 hp)
Engine Cooling
o ★ ★ o ★
automatic
Engine Cooling
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
Trans. Major
0**0*
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
0**0*
Trans. Minor
ooo©oooo
Drive System
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Drive System
oo©oo©oo
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Fuel System
©ooo©©oo
Electrical
© * * o *
Electrical
©©oo©©oo
FACTS & FIGURES
Climate System
o**©*
FACTS & FIGURES
Climate System
o©ooo©oo
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 208
Width (in.) 76
Suspension
o**©*
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.)
Width (in.)
. . 187
. . . 76
Suspension
©©©©©©oo
Brakes
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Brakes
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Height (in.) 67
Exhaust
0**0*
Height (in.)
...67
Exhaust
Wheelbase (in.) 118
Weight (lb.) 4,980
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
© * * © *
©**o*
Wheelbase (in.)
Weight (lb.)
% weight front/rear . .
Cargo measurement
. . . .111
4,525
57/43
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
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Body Hardware
©**o*
Body Hardware
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Max. load (lb.) 1,160
Cargo volume, cu.ft 36.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 4,500
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/23
Power equip.
©**©*
Max. load (lb.)
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . .
Towing capacity (lb.). .
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .
. . 910
. 36.5
3,500
Power equip.
©oo©o©oo
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
0**0*
0**0*
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©ooo©o©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average O
. 17/23
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 175
L VEHICLE PROFILES
Lincoln MKZ
T he upscale MKZ is the most appealing and well-executed
Lincoln in memory. Based on the Ford Fusion, it has a luxuri-
ous, quiet interior and its ride and handling rival some high-end
European sports sedans. Powertrains include a 2.0-liter turbo
four-cylinder and a 3.7-liter V6, both matched with a six-speed
automatic. There’s also a hybrid, which returned an impressive 34
mpg overall in our tests. The push-button gear selector and touch-
sensitive controls for climate and audio functions are frustrating to
use. Unfortunately, the modern styling compromises cabin access
and rear-seat room. Reliability has been average for all versions.
Lincoln Navigator
T he big news about the Navigator is that the 3.5-liter EcoBoost
V6 has made its way under the hood with the 2015 freshening.
Lincoln says that the V6 will return better fuel economy than the
outgoing 5.4-liter V8. So far it has proven to have smoother, more
effortless power delivery than the V8. A six-speed automatic is the
lone transmission. Both regular- and long-wheelbase versions are
still available, as well as eight-passenger seating. New features
include SYNC with MyFord Touch, push-button start and blind spot
monitoring. We can only hope that this new V6 will improve upon
the dismal 13 mpg overall from the last Navigator we tested.
ROAD TEST SCORE 34
Sedans P F G VG E
Tested model: 2013 2.0 EcoBoost
sedan, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION ©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY O
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $35,190-$37,080
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.0 EcoBoost,
Hybrid, 3.7
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 hybrid
(188 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(231 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.7-liter V6 (300
hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 194
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,755
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 875
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/33
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lincoln MKZ
(4-cyl., EcoBoost)
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Oic
Engine Minor
O ★
Engine Cooling
o ★
Trans. Major
Oic
Trans. Minor
O -k
Drive System
©*
Fuel System
Ok
Electrical
O *
Climate System
o *
Suspension
©*
Brakes
O k
Exhaust
O k
Paint/Trim
Ok
Body Integrity
©*
Body Hardware
O *
Power equip.
Ok
Audio System
Ok
USED CAR
VERDICTS
O *
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $61,480-$67,220
Body styles: 4-door SUV;
extended SUV
Trim lines: Base, L
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 turbo
(380 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 208
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 78
Wheelbase (in.) 119
Weight (lb.) 6,245
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,570
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 9,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 15/20
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Lincoln Navigator
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
kkkOkkkkkk
Engine Minor
kkkOkkkkkk
Engine Cooling
kkkOkkkkkk
Trans. Major
kkkOkkkkkk
Trans. Minor
kkkOkkkkkk
Drive System
Fuel System
kkkOkkkkkk
Electrical
Climate System ★★★©★★★★★★
Suspension
kkkOkkkkkk
Brakes
kkkOkkkkkk
Exhaust
kkkOkkkkkk
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
kkkOkkkkkk
Audio System
kkk&kkkkkk
USED CAR
VERDICTS
kkkOkkkkkk
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
176 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
Maserati Ghibli
Mazda CX-5
Q Recommended
iw|
IVw
T he Ghibli is Maserati’s new, more-attainable luxury sedan. Start-
ing at $67,000, it uses a Ferrari-developed 345-hp, turbo V6
mated to an eight-speed automatic, driving the rear wheels. The
SQ 4 all-wheel-drive version has a 404-hp turbo V6 and is priced
at about $80,000, typically equipped. The platform is based on the
Chrysler 300, but the Ghibli’s interior, driving dynamics, and exhaust
note are all Italian. Handling is sporty and agile, and the engine emits
a distinctive bark. The interior is full of high quality leather and suede,
and most controls are easy to use, including Chrysler’s UConnect
touch screen. The ride is stiff and the rear seat is cramped.
he CX-5 has taut, agile handling and quick, well weighted
steering. But we found the ride to be choppy and the cabin lets
in too much road and wind noise. Both the 2.0-liter and the more
responsive 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines returned an impressive 25
mpg overall in out tests. The 2.0-liter, available only with front-wheel
drive, is slow at launch and requires prodding to keep up with traffic.
The 2.5-liter provides noticeably quicker acceleration. The six-speed
automatic is fairly smooth; a six-speed manual is available on base
versions. The interior is roomy and versatile, with simple controls, but
cheap touches are evident. Reliability has been above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Touring 4
Lowest Rated B3
0 100
Tested modef: 2014 Touring 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.5-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed
automatic
■ REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $66,900-$76,900
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, S Q4
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbo
(345 hp); 3.0-liter V6 turbo
(404 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 118
Weight (lb.) 4,625
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 18.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 15/25
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Maserati Ghibli
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $21,545-$29,220
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Sport, Touring,
Grand Touring
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (155 hp);
2.5-liter 4 (184 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 179
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,435
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mazda CX-5 (2.5L)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 14 15
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
ee
Drive System
e©
Fuel System
ee
Electrical
ee
Climate System
ee
Suspension
e©
Brakes
ee
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
ee
Body Integrity
©o
Body Hardware
©©
Power equip.
ee
Audio System
««
USED CAR
VERDICTS
e©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 177
M VEHICLE PROFILES
Mazda CX-9
T he three-row CX-9 is agile, comfortable, quiet, and nicely finished.
Power comes from a smooth and refined 3.7-liter V6, but its 1 6
mpg overall is not stellar by today’s standards. Handling is taut and
agile, and the ride is firm and steady, yet comfortable. The cabin is quiet
and interior trim is attractive and well assembled. As in many SUVs, the
60/40-split second-row seats slide fore and aft for greater second- or
third-row leg room. The third-row seat is relatively hospitable and easy
to access. The optional blind-spot detection system works well. Reli-
ability has been well above average. We can no longer recommend the
CX-9 because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Q Recommended
T he Miata soldiers on as a pure fun-to-drive roadster. Its 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine may not be very powerful, but it revs hap-
pily and provides adequate thrust. The manual shifter on our tested
Grand Touring model felt crisp and precise. Handling is super agile,
with quick, precise steering, and the Miata is balanced at its limits.
The ride is relatively tolerable, but the car gets noisy and tiring on
long rides. Interior space is extremely cramped, but the small trunk
is usefully shaped. A power-retractable hard top is available, but
the car is still loud with it raised. Operating the manual top is a
breeze. A redesigned Miata is due in 2015 as a 2016 model.
ROAD TEST SCORE
77
SUVs P F
G VG E ,
Highest Rated
'
Grand Touring V6
Lowest Rated Q]
0
100
Tested model: 2008 Grand Touring I
4-door SUV AWD, 3.7-liter V6,
6-speed automatic
J
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
© I
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE
Roadsters
Highest Rated
Grand Touring 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
' Tested modef: 2010 Grand Touring
convertible, 2.0-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed
manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
, FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $29,985-$36,625
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Sport, Touring,
Grand Touring
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (273 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mazda CX-9
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
©©©o©©©©
Trans. Minor
©©©©©©©©
Drive System
©oo©©o©©
Fuel System
©©©©©©©©
Electrical
Base price: $23,970-$30,550
Body styles: convertible
Trim lines: Sport, Club, Grand
Touring
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (158 hp);
2.0-liter 4 (167 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 6-speed manual;
6-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Mazda MX-5 Miata
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major tirOOOOOOOOtir
Engine Minor ★OOOOOO©©*
Engine Cooling ★OOOOOOOO*
Trans. Major 'kOOCiOOOOO'k
Trans. Minor ★OOOOOOOO-*-
Drive System icOOO^OOOOic
Fuel System tlrO©©#©©©©*
Electrical ★©0©©0©00':lr
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 200
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 4,585
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,190
Cargo volume, cu.ft 37.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/22
Climate System ##©©0000
Suspension ©©©©©OOO
Brakes
©©O©©©©©
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©o©©©©©
Body Integrity
ooo©©o©©
Body Hardware
o©o©©o©©
Power eguip.
©oo©©©©©
Audio System
©©©©©©©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
ooooooo©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 157
Width (in.) 68
Height (in.) 49
Wheelbase (in.) 92
Weight (lb.) 2,610
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 340
Cargo volume, cu.ft 5.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/28
Climate System ★©©OOO©©©*
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
Audio System
7k^©©©©©©©©7k^
*©©©©©©©©*
*©©©©©©©©*
7k'©©©©©©©©7k'
★o©o©©©©©*
*©© 0 © 0 ©© 0 *
icOOOOOOOOic
*o©©©o©©©*
USED CAR
VERDICTS ':lr©©©©©©©©':lr
NEW CAR uu„ .u A
PREDICTION Much better than average ©
178 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
MazdaZ
T he Mazda2 is a subcompact hatchback that is powered by
a 100-hp, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The standard manual
transmission shifted slickly, but the optional four-speed automatic
saps some zip. Handling is quite nimble and the ride is tolerable,
but the cabin lets in too much road and engine noise. Rear-seat
room is relatively good. It is related to the Ford Fiesta, but in
exchange for a lower price the Mazda2 gives up some refinement
and comfort. A 2016 redesign is due this spring, with the promise
of better fuel economy and comprehensive connectivity features.
ROAD TEST SCORE 62
Wagons/
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
Touring 4
Lowest Rated
0
Tested modef: 2011 Touring 4-door
hatchback, 1.5-iiter 4-cyl., 4-speed
automatic
100
Base price: $14,720-$17,050
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: Sport, Touring
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.5-liter 4 (100 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 4-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 156
Width (in.) 68
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 98
Weight (lb.) 2,390
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 28/34
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
MazdaZ
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
O * * *
Engine Minor
o ★ ★ ★
Engine Cooling
o ★ ★ ★
Trans. Major
o * * *
Trans. Minor
o ★ ★
Drive System
o ★ ★ ★
Fuel System
o * * *
Electrical
o ★ ★ ★
Climate System
o ★ ★ ★
Suspension
o * * *
Brakes
• * * *
Exhaust
o ★ ★ ★
Paint/Trim
o * * *
Body Integrity
© ★ * ★
Body Hardware
o ★ ★ ★
Power eguip.
o ★ * *
Audio System
o ★
USED CAR
VERDICTS
o * * ★
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Mazda3
Q Recommended
W hether as a sedan or hatchback, the MazdaS is really fun to
drive and gets great fuel economy. It also offers a host of
luxury features perhaps unmatched by any other small car. At 33
mpg, the Mazda3 is the most fuel efficient compact that isn’t a
hybrid or a diesel. High-tech features include a multimedia system
with a large touch screen, as well as active safety features such
as blind spot monitoring system. On the downside, it’s loud on the
highway and ride comfort is just OK. The multimedia controls can
be cumbersome, and other small cars have roomier rear seats. First
year reliability of the redesign has been average or better.
Sedans P F G VG E
Tested model: 2014 i Touring sedan,
2.0-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
■ REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $16,945-$26,595
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: i SV, i Sport, i
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mazda3 (2.0L)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Touring, i Grand Touring, s
Touring, s Grand Touring
Drive wheels: Front
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (155 hp);
2.5-liter 4 (184 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
ooeeoeeeee
Trans. Minor
Drive System
ooo©©oo©oo
eooeeeeeee
Fuel System
Electrical
00©©©00©00
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 180
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 57
Climate System
Suspension
©ooQQeeeee
©••OQoeeee
Brakes
Exhaust
o©©ooooo©o
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 2,875
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 30/41
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
•©0©©©0©00
©©o©©©oo©©
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
©©0©©©©©00
©o©©o©oooo
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
ooo©o©©©©©
ooo©o©o©o©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 179
M VEHICLE PROFILES
MazdaS
T he MazdaS is a small minivan/wagon that seats six. Its 157-hp,
2.5-liter four-cylinder engine can be overtaxed on hills or when
carrying a full load. Elevated noise levels make it feel less sub-
stantial than some larger alternatives. On the other hand, it is agile
and fun to drive and has good visibility. The dual sliding rear doors
provide easy access to the two rear rows. By combining utility,
sportiness, and affordability, the MazdaS is a practical alternative to
a larger minivan or a small SUV. Reliability has been above average.
We can no longer recommend the MazdaS because it scored a
Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
Mazda6
T he MazdaS is sporty, stylish, and sparing with fuel. Its 2.5-liter
four-cylinder delivered an impressive 32 mpg overall, the best
among conventional midsized sedans. The six-speed automatic is
very smooth and responsive. We found the 6 to be agile and capable
in the corners. The ride is taut and steady but on the firm side,
especially at low speeds. The car has a sportier and more compact
demeanor than most midsized sedans, but the cabin is rather loud,
with noticeable road and wind noise. The front seats are comfort-
able, but some controls appear dated and a few cheap touches are
apparent. Reliability has been well above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Minivans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Grand Touring 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2012 Grand Touring
wagon, 2.5-llter 4-cyl., 5-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Sport 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
■ Tested model: 2014 Sport sedan,
2.5-liter 4-cyl., 6-speed automatic
L _
|i REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
1
o
j OWNER COST
©
I OWNER SATISFACTION
o
j ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
, FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $20,140-$24,670
Body styies: wagon
Trim iines: Sport, Touring,
Grand Touring
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
MazdaS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11
12 13 14
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear, 2
third
Engine Major
Engine Minor
eeeee
• o©©©
OOilc
o o ★
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (157 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 5-speed automatic
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
ooooo
©oooo
o o ★
OOic
Trans. Minor
• o©©o
©©*
Drive System
©•©©©
o o
Fuel System
o©©©o
©©*
Electrical
©oo©©
©o*
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 181
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 64
Climate System
Suspension
©o©©©
• ©*
o©*
Brakes
Exhaust
©••©©
o©eee
• o*
o o
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,495
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,020
Cargo volume, cu.ft 39.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/28
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
• oo©o
• •©••
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $21,190-$29,895
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Sport, Touring,
Grand Touring
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (184 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,185
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/38
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
Mazda6
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
180 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
T he compact C-Class has been redesigned for 201 5. It’s grown
larger inside and out, and is beautifully finished inside. The C300
uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the new C400 gets
a 3.0-liter turbo V6. All-wheel drive is available across the line. The
new C has quick reflexes with very prompt steering response and a
comfortable ride. Many safety-oriented features are available includ-
ing semi-autonomous highway steering, and standard autonomous
braking. The rear seat, a low point of the last C-Class, has been
markedly improved and now allows decent space for an adult. But
the radio/navigation/climate system requires a steep learning curve.
Mercedes-Benz CLA
T he sleek and compact CI_A250 is Mercedes’ entry-level,
front-wheel-drive, coupe-like sedan. It has a nicely-finished
cabin and fuel economy of 28 mpg is respectable. But the driving
experience falls well short of a typical Mercedes. The 2.0-liter four-
cylinder and seven-speed automatic lack refinement. It’s quick, but
power delivery is uneven. While fairly agile, the car rides stiffly. The
cabin is noisy and cramped, especially in the rear, the view out is
seriously impaired, and access is difficult both front and rear. All-
wheel drive is optional. The high-performance, 355-hp CI_A45 tops
the range. First year reliability has been well below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $38,400-$80,000E
Body styles: coupe; sedan
Trim lines: C250, C300, C350,
C400, C63, C63 S
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-iiter 4 turbo (241
hp); 3.0-iiter V6 turbo (329
hp); 6.3-iiter V8 (451 hp);
3.5-iiter V6 (302 hp); 4.6-iiter
V8 turbo (469, 503 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 185
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,670
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. ioad (ib.) 795
Cargo volume, cu.ft 17.0
Towing capacity (Ib.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .24/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz
C-Class (4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
*
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Engine Minor
*
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Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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Drive System
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Fuel System
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Electrical
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Brakes
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Body Hardware
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Power equip.
*
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Audio System
*
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
*
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $29,900-$47,450
Body styles: sedan
Trim iines: 250, 45 AMG
Drive wheeis: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-iiter 4 turbo
(208 hp); 2.0-iiter 4 turbo
(355 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequentiai
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (ib.) 3,335
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (Ib.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (ib.) NR
Fuei
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/38
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz CLA
250
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©
Engine Minor
©
Engine Cooling
e
Trans. Major
e
Trans. Minor
©
Drive System
e
Fuel System
o
Electrical
©
Climate System
©
Suspension
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Brakes
©
Exhaust
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Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
e
Body Hardware
©
Power equip.
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Audio System
©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
e
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average
e
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 181
M VEHICLE PROFILES
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Q Recommended
T he E-Class has long been a benchmark luxury sports sedan.
The well-finished, substantial-feeling E-Class has secure, agile
handling. Luxury-trim versions have a smooth and cushy ride, but
the Sport is considerably firmer. The smooth 3.5-liter V6 and seven-
speed automatic returned 21 mpg overall. The four-cylinder diesel
got an impressive 30 mpg overall in our tests. The interior is plush,
with excellent seats and fit and finish. A coupe, convertible, and
wagon (with a rare rear-facing third-row seat) are also available.
Reliability has been average or better for some versions; the diesel
is still unknown.
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
T he seven-passenger GL is the most comfortable-riding SUV we’ve
tested. Available engines include a 240-hp turbodiesel V6 and a
4.6-liter turbo V8, all driving through a seven-speed automatic and
with standard all-wheel drive. New for 201 5 is a twin-turbo, 362-hp
V6. The interior is luxurious and full of thoughtful details, and even the
third row is comfortable. Handling is responsive, but it’s very clumsy
and reluctant at its limits. We got 20 mpg overall with the refined die-
sel. Features include a self-parking system and a 360-degree camera
view. Reliability has been well below average, and the poor emergency
handling behavior has also prevented us from recommending it.
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
d
Base price: $51,400-$102,370
Body styles: convertible;
coupe; sedan; wagon
Trim lines: E250 BlueTec,
E350, E400 Hybrid, E400,
E550, E63 AMG
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.1 L 4 turbodiesel (195
hp); 3.5L V6 (302 hp); 3.0L V6
turbo (329 hp); 3.5L V6 hybrid
(329 hp); 4.8L V8 turbo (402
hp); 5.5L V8 turbo (550, 577 hp)
Transmissions: 7-spd auto
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 3,935
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 770
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class Sedan (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
:icoeeeeeeee
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
^iroeeeeeeee
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
*#©©o©oo©©
Drive System
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*©©©©oo©oo
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*000©©©0©0
Audio System
*o©oo©oo©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*0©©00©©0©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $63,600-$119,450
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: GL350 BlueTec,
GL450, GL550, GL63 AMG
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbod-
iesel (240 hp); 3.0-liter V6
twin-turbo (362 hp); 4.6-liter
V8 turbo (429 hp); 5.5-liter
V8 turbo (550 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 202
Width (in.) 84
Height (in.) 73
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) 5,660
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,180
Cargo volume, cu.ft 47.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 7,500
Fuel
Diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/26
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz GL-
Class
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
*©**0000
Engine Minor
*o**o©©o
Engine Cooling
*0**0000
Trans. Major
*0**0000
Trans. Minor
*0**0000
Drive System
*o**oo©o
Fuel System
*©**o©©o
Electrical
*0**0000
Climate System
*o**©©oo
Suspension
*0**0000
Brakes
*©** 000 ©
Exhaust
*0**0000
Raint/Trim
*0**00©©
Body Integrity
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Body Hardware
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Rower eguip.
*©**©©©©
Audio System
*0**0000
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*o**©ooo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average O
182 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
he 2015 Gl_A is essentially a raised wagon version of the
CI_A sedan. It has a 208-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and
a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This transmission isn’t that
refined, particularly a low speeds. A high-performance 355-hp
GLA45 AMG version is also available. The ride is somewhat stiff
and noise isolation isn’t what you find in most Mercedes. The
4Matic system includes a mode for light-duty excursions. Standard
safety features include a radar-based collision prevention system.
Autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane
assist are optional. A front-drive version arrives in early 2015.
T he GLK’s 3.5-liter V6 returned a competitive 21 mpg overall.
This small SUV rides well, except for some side-to-side rock-
ing on rough pavement. Handling is fairly nimble. The high seating
position gives a good view out. The excellent front seats are firm
and well shaped. Rear leg room is stingy, and the wide doorsills
impede access. Despite a freshening that brought a dash layout
that was a slight improvement, the controls remain somewhat
convoluted. Fortunately the interior was improved at the same time,
with more luxurious materials. Reliability has been above average
for both V6 and diesel versions.
REPORT CARD
1 PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
1 FUEL ECONOMY
NA
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs
Highest Rated
GLK350 V6
Lowest Rated
P F G VG E
Eg
0 100
Tested modef: 2013 GLK350 4-door
SUV AWD, 3.5-liter V6, 7-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $33,300-$48,300
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 250, 45 AMG
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(208 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(355 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz GLA
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 174
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 60
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,385
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 795
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.) NA
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/32
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
Base price: $37,900-$39,900
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: GLK250, GLK350
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.1-liter 4 turbodiesel
(200 hp): 3.5-liter V6 (302
hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 178
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 4,200
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 32.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Diesel or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz GLK
{V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
o©©oo
Engine Minor
o©©ee
Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
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Drive System
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Fuel System
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Electrical
• e©©e
Climate System
Suspension
©©©©o
Brakes
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Exhaust
Paint/Trim
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©©o©©
Body Hardware
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Power equip.
oo©©e
Audio System
ooo©o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oooo©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 183
M VEHICLE PROFILES
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
T he M-Class is very refined, with an impressively quiet cabin,
meticulous attention to detail, and excellent seats. Its gaso-
line V6 delivers smooth and powerful acceleration. Other available
engines include a turbocharged V6, and the 518-hp V8 AMG. A
new 2.1 -liter turbo four-cylinder diesel replaces the V6 turbodiesel
for 2015. Handling is responsive, but it is let down by vague steer-
ing, and doesn’t shine at its cornering limits. There’s an underlying
firmness to the ride, but it’s steady and supple. Some controls
have improved, but others remain complicated. Towing capacity is
impressive. Reliability has dropped to below average.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
T he S-Class is impressive, with features and qualities that make
it stand out among luxury cars. A powerful 4.6-liter turbo V8
provides effortless acceleration and delivered 18 mpg overall in our
tests. The S550 brings a whole host of advanced technology, includ-
ing the ability to follow the road and stop by itself in an emergency.
Acceleration is brisk and effortless, the ride is super plush and
steady, and the cabin is very hushed. Even though it’s large and
posh, handling agility is commendable. Many controls are overly
complicated. First year reliability of the redesigned sedan has been
well below average. A plug-in hybrid arrives in Spring 2015.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Sedans P F G VG E
Tested model: 2014 S550 sedan
AWD, 4.6-liter V8 turbo, 7-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $48,300-$98,400
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: ML350, ML250
BlueTec, ML400, ML63 AMG
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.1-liter 4 turbodiesel
(200 hp): 3.5-liter V6 (302
hp); 3.0-liter V6 turbo (329
hp); 5.5-liter V8 turbo (518
hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 71
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,915
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,080
Cargo volume, cu.ft 37.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 7,200
Fuel
Diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg 17/22
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz
M-Class (non-diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
icmmeoooooo
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
^iroeoeeeeee
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
★•o©©oo©oo
Fuel System
*©oooo©o©o
Electrical
*•©©000©©©
Climate System
*©©o©oo©oo
Suspension
*oo#©oo©©o
Brakes
*©oo©©©©©©
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
*0©#0©©0©0
Body Integrity
*■•©©00000©
Body Hardware
*©••©•©•©©
Power equip.
*ooo©©©ooo
Audio System
*©oo©oo©©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
*©oooo©©o©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
Base price: $94,400-$222,000
Body styles: coupe; sedan
Trim lines: S550, S63 AMG,
S600, S65 AMG
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 4.6-liter V8 turbo
(449 hp); 6.0-liter V12 turbo
(523 hp); 5.5-liter V8 turbo
(577 hp); 6.0-liter V12 turbo
(621 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 207
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 125
Weight (lb.) 4,935
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 915
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/26
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mercedes-Benz
S-Class
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
**©•***•••
Engine Minor
**oo***ooo
Engine Cooling
**oo***ooo
Trans. Major
**oo***©o©
Trans. Minor
**©•***•••
Drive System
**o©***©oo
Fuel System
**©•***©••
Electrical
**o©***o©o
Climate System **0©***©©0
Suspension
**oo***ooo
Brakes
**oo***oo©
Exhaust
**••***•••
Paint/Trim
**©•***••©
Body Integrity
**o©***oo©
Body Hardware
**o©***©o©
Power equip.
**©•***©00
Audio System
**©•***•0©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
**oo***o©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average •
184 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
Mercedes-Benz SL
T he SL is made almost entirely of aluminum to save weight.
Power comes from a 429-hp, 4.6-liter V8 that employs a start-
stop system to save fuel. The retractable hard top has adjustable
opacity to let sunlight in even when the top is raised. The SL is full
of new high-tech features and safety equipment: Pre-Safe colli-
sion mitigation, adaptive brakes and cruise control, active head
restraints, head-curtain air bags, and more. An entry-level (at “only”
$84,000), 329-hp, twin-turbo V6 SL400 is new for 2015.
Mercedes-Benz SLK
T he SLK features a retractable glass and metal top that lets it
credibly serve as either a coupe or an open-top roadster. The
base SLK250 features a 1.8-liter, 201 -hp turbocharged four-cylinder
that delivers ample thrust. Our tested SLK250 with the six-speed
manual returned a very good 26 mpg overall, but we weren’t
impressed with the rubbery shifter action. The more powerful
engines come with a seven-speed automatic, which is a better
choice. Handling is crisp and enjoyable, but the ESC can be slow
to respond at the SLK’s limits. The ride is firm, but civilized enough
even for lengthy trips. The small cabin is well finished, but narrow.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Roadsters P F G VG E
Tested model: 2012 SLK250
convertible, 1.8-liter 4-cyl. turbo,
6-speed manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY NA
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION ©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY ©
Base price: $84,000-$212,250
Body styles: convertible
Trim lines: SL400, SL550,
SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbo
(329 hp); 4.6-liter V8 turbo
(429 hp); 5.5-liter V8 turbo
(530 hp); 5.5-liter V8 turbo
(557 hp); 6.0-liter V12 turbo
(621 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 52
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,935
% weight front/rear . . 50/50
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft 14.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Base price: $43,950-$70,900
Body styles: convertible
Trim lines: SLK250, SLK350,
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Mercedes-Benz SL
TROUBLE
Mercedes-Benz SLK
SPOTS
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
SLK55 AMG
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NOT
ENOUGH
DATA
TO
RATE
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 turbo (201
hp); 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp);
5.5-liter V8 (415 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 7-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 163
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 96
Weight (lb.) 3,225
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 560
Cargo volume, cu.ft 10.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/32
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
★ ©★★★★★★★it
Trans. Minor
■kO-k-k-k-k-k-k-k-k
Drive System
Fuel System
kOkkkkkkkk
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
kOkkkkkkkk
Brakes
kOkkkkkkkk
Exhaust
kOkkkkkkkk
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
kOkkkkkkkk
Audio System
k&kkkkkkkk
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 185
M VEHICLE PROFILES
Mini Cooper
T he new third-generation Mini is longer and wider. Engine
choices are a 134-hp three-cylinder or a frisky 189-hp four-
cylinder turbo, with either a six-speed manual or automatic. We
measured 31 mpg overall in the base automatic and 30 mpg from
the S with its stick-shift. Handling remains very nimble and sporty,
but agility has been dialed down a bit compared to previous
generations. The ride is markedly better than before and the cabin
is quieter. The backseat is still pretty small. You can spend hours
online configuring your ideal Mini, but it can add up to a small car
costing around $30,000. Reliability is still unknown.
Mini Cooper Countryman
T he four-door SUV-like Countryman is larger than other Minis,
but it’s still small and fun to drive. The quirky interior has well
shaped and comfortable seats. It retains the quick steering and
fantastic agility of other Minis. The S has a punchy powertrain, and
it posted a very good 26 mpg overall in our tests. Familiar Mini
downsides carry over, including frustrating controls, a stiff ride, and
a noisy cabin. All-wheel drive is only available on the S version.
Typical options can easily drive the price for an all-wheel-drive
model beyond $32,000. Reliability has been well below average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sporty cars
Highest Rated
S 4
Lowest Rated
Tested model: 2014 S 2-door hatch-
back, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs
Highest Rated
S 4
Lowest Rated
P F G VG E
Eg
0 100
Tested model: 2011 S 4-door SUV
AWD, 1.6-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $20,450-$24,100
Body styles: 2-door hatchback
Trim lines: Base, S
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 1.5-liter 3 turbo (134
hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (189 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 151
Width (in.) 68
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 98
Weight (lb.) 2,775
% weight front/rear . . 63/37
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 770
Cargo volume, cu.ft 9.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/38
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mini Cooper S
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
• ••••9090ic
Trans. Minor
O0099OOOO*
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
oeoooo#©©*
Climate System
oo©©o©o©©*
Suspension
•©©©ooooo*
Brakes
00©©©0©00*
Exhaust
ooeoeeeee*
Paint/Trim
©•eo«eo©e7k'
Body Integrity
□ □••••©•©Tk-
Body Hardware
©©o#©#o#o*
Power equip.
0©0©00©©0*
Audio System
©©o©©©©©©*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $22,750-$35,350
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, S, JCW
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (121 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (181 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (208 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 162
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 62
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,305
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 17.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 23/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mini Countryman
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©eee
Engine Minor
• •©e
Engine Cooling
• •©e
Trans. Major
eoee
Trans. Minor
eeoe
Drive System
• ©ee
Fuel System
• •©e
Electrical
• ©oe
Climate System
©©©o
Suspension
ooo©
Brakes
• o©©
Exhaust
eoee
Paint/Trim
• ©ee
Body Integrity
©•©©
Body Hardware
©o©e
Power equip.
o©oo
Audio System
oooo
USED CAR
VERDICTS
• •©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average •
186 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
Mitsubishi Lancer
/
T he Lancer is an insubstantial and unimpressive compact sedan.
It is fairly agile and has a decent ride, with balanced and secure
handling, although cornering grip is limited. However, its 2.0-liter
four-cylinder is rough, the CVT makes it moan, fuel economy is
uncompetitive, and the car is sluggish from a stop. The cramped
cabin is furnished with drab plastics and has subpar fit and finish,
but the controls are simple to use. The sporty, AWD Ralliart is quick
and agile but it’s noisier and has a stiff ride. Its automated manual
transmission is annoying during all but the most spirited drives.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evoiution
T he Evolution is super fast and agile, with very quick steer-
ing response. It is fun to drive but has a harsh ride and is
very loud. The GSR model lacks a sixth gear and makes a lot of
engine noise at highway speeds. The MR version has a six-speed
automated manual and is a bit more relaxed on the highway.
Recaro seats, Brembo brakes, and carbon-fiber parts are all part of
the Evo’s rally-car heritage. The interior is functional and focused
on driving, not comfort. The Evo is a car for the die-hard driv-
ing enthusiast who will put up with some discomfort for outright
performance.
ROAD TEST SCORE
62
Sedans P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
■■ES
ES 4
Lowest Rated 1
0
100
Tested model: 2008 ES sedan,
2.0-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sporty cars P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Evolution GSR 4
Lowest Rated
Tested model: 2008 GSR sedan,
2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 5-speed manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $17,395-$29,495
Body styles: 4-door hatchback;
sedan
Trim lines: ES, SE, Ralliart, GT
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (148 hp);
2.4-liter 4 (168 hp); 2.0-liter
4 turbo (237 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual;
CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 180
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,015
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/34
I RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Mitsubishi Lancer
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $34,995-$38,195
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: GSR, MR
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(291 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,610
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 7.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg 17/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Mitsubishi Lancer
SPOTS Evolution
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 187
M VEHICLE PROFILES
Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi Outlander
M itsubishi’s tiny, Thailand-built subcompact seems like an act of
desperation, dressing a primitive Asia-market car with some
upscale toys and calling it a day. Good points include a decent-
enough ride, terrific 37-mpg fuel economy, and an accommodating
rear seat. The up-level ES also brings a fancy radio, push-button
start, auto climate system and Bluetooth. However, the weak,
vibrating, and incredibly noisy three-cylinder engine provides slug-
gish acceleration. In addition, handling is clumsy, with lots of body
lean, and the cabin is depressingly low-rent. Further lowering its
standing is its poor score in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
W ith its tight, kids-only third-row seat, the Outlander is one
of the few small SUVs that provide seating for up to seven
people. Effective air-conditioning is one of its only strong points.
Otherwise, the Outlander handles clumsily and feels like a larger
vehicle. The ride is fairly stiff. The sluggish acceleration is accom-
panied by raucous engine noise. The loud cabin is dressed in trim
that looks cheap and feels insubstantial. Its 23 mpg overall is aver-
age for this class, but nothing special. Overall, with so many other
very good competitors in this class, we see little reason to consider
the Outlander.
ROAD TEST SCORE
29
Wagons/
hatchbacks
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
ES 3
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2014 ES 4-door
hatchback, 1.2-liter 3-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
SE4
Lowest Rated E]
0 1C
Tested model: 2014 SE 4-door SUV
AWD, 2.4-liter 4-cyl., CVT
1 REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Base price: $12,995-$15,395
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: DE, ES
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.2-liter 3 (74 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 149
Width (in.) 66
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 97
Weight (lb.) 2,085
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 17.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 37/44
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Base price: $23,195-$28,195
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: ES, SE, GT
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Mitsubishi Mirage
TROUBLE Mitsubishi Outlander
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: Front or select-
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NOT
ENOUGH
DATA
TO
RATE
able AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (166 hp);
3.0-liter V6 (224 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 183
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 3,505
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,155
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 32.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/29
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
**© 0 * 00 * 0 *
**o©*oo*o*
**o©*oo*o*
** 00 * 00 * 0 *
**o©*oo*o*
**o©*oo*o*
** 00 * 00 * 0 *
**©o*o©*o*
**©©*©©*o*
**©©* 00 * 0 *
**© 0 * 00 * 0 *
**©©*© 0 * 0 *
** 00 * 00 * 0 *
**o©*©©*©*
**©©*©©*o*
**o©*©©*o*
**©o*©o*o*
**o©*©o*o*
NA
188 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
M
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
T his shortened version of the smaii Outiander SUV has reduced
rear-seat and cargo space. Despite the name, it’s not exactiy
a sporty SUV to drive. Handiing isn’t that nimbie, and acceiera-
tion from the 148-hp, 2.0-iiter engine is just adequate. The Sport’s
choppy ride and very noisy cabin further undermine the driving
experience. Stiii, it retains the previous Outiander’s high seating
position and some of its passenger-and-cargo versatiiity. Top-
trim aii-wheei drive versions can get expensive enough where the
Outiander Sport starts to compete with better SUVs. Reiiabiiity has
been impressive but it scored too iow in our tests to recommend.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
T he i-MiEV is one of the cheapest aii-eiectric cars avaiiabie.
But the tradeoff is that it’s siow, ciumsy, stiff-riding, and quite
utiiitarian inside, it takes between 6 and 7 hours to charge on
a 240-voit, Levei 2 charger, or 21 hours on a standard 120-voit
outiet. its range is EPA-rated at 62 miies, aithough we generaiiy got
around 56 miies. We measured its energy consumption at 111 mpg
equivaient. The motor puts out a meager 66 hp. in comparison, the
five-seat Nissan Leaf, with its roomier interior and more comfort-
abie ride, feeis iike a reai car and is a far better choice.
ROAD TEST SCORE
65
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
SE4
Lowest Rated
KB
0
100
Tested model: 2011 SE 4-door SUV
AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
35
Fuel efficient
hatchbacks
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
SE electric
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2012 SE 4-door hatch-
back, Electric, automatic
1 REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
1
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $19,595-$24,195
Rnrl\/ c+\/lac* A-rinnr ^IIV
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY ]
Trim lines: ES. SE
TROUBLE
Mitsubishi Outiander
Drive wheels: Front or select-
SPOTS
Sport
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
able AWD
Engine Major
OicOic
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (148 hp)
Engine Minor
o o ★
Transmissions: 5-speed
Engine Cooling
o ★ o ★
manual; CVT
Trans. Major
OicOic
Trans. Minor
O ic O -k
Drive System
O k O k
Fuel System
OkOk
Electrical
© ★ O ★
FACTS & FIGURES
Climate System
© ★ o ★
Exterior dimensions
Suspension
OkOk
Length (in.)
. . 169
Width (in.)
. . . 70
Brakes
o ★ o
Height (in.)
...64
Exhaust
o ★ o ★
Wheelbase (in.)
. . 105
Paint/Trim
0*0*
Weight (lb.)
3,290
% weight front/rear . .
.59/41
Body Integrity
©*©*
Cargo measurement
Body Hardware
© * o *
Max. load (lb.)
. .825
Power eguip.
©*o*
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . .
. 25.5
Towing capacity (lb.). .
. . .NR
Audio System
0*0*
Fuel
USED CAR
Regular
VERDICTS
0*0*
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .
24/29
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
Base price: $22,995
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: ES
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: Electric (66 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 145
Width (in.) 62
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) 100
Weight (lb.) 2,610
% weight front/rear . .46/54
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 660
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Electric
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . 126/99
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Mitsubishi i-MiEV
SPOTS
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
RATE
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 189
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Nissan Altima
T he well-rounded, roomy Altima delivers excellent fuel economy.
Both the 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 270-hp, 3.5-liter V6
use a CVT that works well. We got an impressive 31 mpg overall in
our tests of the four-cylinder, while the V6 got 24 mpg overall. Han-
dling is rather ordinary, though ultimately secure. Both cars have a
mostly comfortable ride, although in the V6 version it is consider-
ably stiffen The display in the instrument cluster includes navigation
information, text-message notification, and audio data. Blind-spot,
moving-object detection, and lane-departure warning systems are
available. Reliability has been below average.
Nissan Armada
T his large, truck-based SUV has an independent rear suspension
and seating for eight. The Armada is powered by a smooth-rev-
ving and punchy, but noisy, 5.6-liter V8 engine coupled with a slick
five-speed automatic. Fuel economy, at 13 mpg overall, is abysmal.
The Armada is quick, but not that refined. Handling is relatively
responsive, but the ride is quite stiff. Interior quality is so-so and
the styling is dated. It is difficult for children to reach the high-
mounted exterior rear-door handles. Rear cargo space and towing
capacity are generous.
' Sedans P F G VG E
Tested model: 2013 2.5 S sedan,
2.5-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $22,300-$31,950
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.5, 2.5 S, 2.5 SV,
2.5 SL, 3.5 SL
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (182 hp);
3.5-liter V6 (270 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Altima Sedan
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
000©©©00©0
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
0©©00©00©0
Drive System
©©oo©o©o©o
Fuel System
©o©©oooooo
Electrical
©©oooo©o©©
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,130
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 27/38
Climate System 0 © 0 ©©©© 0©0
Suspension 00 ©© 00©000
Brakes QOQOQQOOOO
Exhaust ••••©©OOOO
Paint/Trim ©©O©©©©©©©
Body Integrity 0000000©#0
Body Hardware 0©©©©00©0©
Power equip. ©©©0#00©©0
Audio System 0000 © 0 ©© 0 #
USED CAR
VERDICTS 0©©©000©©©
NEW CAR ^ ^
PREDICTION Worse than average ©
Base price: $41,290-$58,850
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SV, SL, Platinum
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.6-liter V8 (317 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 208
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 76
Wheelbase (in.) 123
Weight (lb.) 5,700
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,380
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 58.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 9,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 12/18
RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Armada
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
190 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
N
Nissan Frontier
T he Frontier is the only compact pickup truck we can recom-
mend. It shares a platform with the Xterra SUV and the larger
Titan pickup. In our tests we found the Frontier to be quick and
relatively nimble, with a stiff though tolerable ride. The strong
4.0-liter V6 revs smoothly and feels like a V8; expect 15 mpg. A
2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine powers base models. Only crew- and
extended-cab body styles are offered, but rear-seat room is still
tight even in the crew cab. A model with a longer bed is available,
but the tailgate is very heavy.
Nissan Juke
T he funky-looking Juke has the raised ride height and optional AWD
like that of an SUV, but with very car-like maneuverability. The
steeply raked rear quarter makes for lousy rear visibility. The rear seat
is tight, and the trifling cargo space limits practicality. Nimble handling
and the punchy 1 .6-liter turbo four-cylinder make it fun and zippy. Its
24 mpg overall isn’t bad, but the need for premium fuel is a downer.
As in some sporty hatchbacks, a noisy cabin and stiff ride come with
the territory. Reliability has been average, but the Juke scored too low
in our tests to recommend. Also, it scored a Poor in the IIFIS small-
overlap crash test. 2015 brought a modest restyling.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $17,990-$35,260
Body styles: extended cab;
crew cab
Trim lines: S, SV, DR, PR0-4X,
SL
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (152 hp);
4.0-liter V6 (261 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 6-speed manual;
5-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 206
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 126
Weight (lb.) 4,655
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,160
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . .6,100
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg 15/21
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Frontier
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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Average O
Base price: $19,170-$28,120
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, SV, SL, NISMO,
NISMO RS
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 turbo (188
hp); 1.6-liter 4 turbo (197 hp);
1.6-liter 4 turbo (215 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 162
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 62
Wheelbase (in.) 100
Weight (lb.) 3,170
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/30
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Juke
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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NEW CAR
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Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 191
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Nissan Leaf
T he electric-powered Leaf has a 75-mile typical range. A full
charge took 6 hours using a 240-volt outlet or 16 hours using
120 volts. But charge times have improved since our tests. Running
costs are low: 3.5 cents per mile at the national-average electricity
price of 1 1 cents per kWh. We calculate the Leaf gets the equivalent
of 106 mpg. Standard features include a heated steering wheel and
seats, and a rear-view camera. The around-view monitor is optional,
and upper-level models get a more-efficient electric heat system.
Reliability has been above average. Poor performance in the IIHS
small-overlap crash test means we no longer recommend the Leaf.
Nissan Maxima
T he Maxima soldiers on mostly unchanged, with a 2016 redesign
coming this spring. The highlight of the Maxima is its smooth,
powerful 3.5-liter V6 that gives it very quick acceleration and 22
mpg overall, but on premium fuel. The steering is oddly weighted.
It’s overly light at low speeds, but then firms up rather abruptly,
which takes away from the car’s handling. The ride is comfortable
enough, and the cabin is quiet. A low roofline inhibits rear access
and visibility. Controls are simple to use, and the front seats are
very comfortable and supportive, but interior materials and rear-
seat room aren’t as impressive.
ROAD TEST SCORE
' ruei enicieni or r \/r r
hatchbacks ^ ^ G VG E
Highest Rated
SL electric
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2011 SL 4-door hatch-
back, Electric, automatic
REPORT CARD
ROAD TEST SCORE
PREDICTED RELIABiLITY
©
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATiSFACTiON
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Sedans
Highest Rated
3.5 SV V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
■ Tested model: 2009 3.5 SV sedan,
3.5-liter V6, CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
1
©
j OWNER COST
O
1 OWNER SATISFACTION
O
j ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
, FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $29,010-$35,120
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: S, SV, SL
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: Electric (107 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 175
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 61
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,360
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Electric
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . 126/101
RELIABILITY HISTORY fl
Base price: $31,290-$34,380
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 3.5 S, 3.5 SV
Drive wheels: Front
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Leaf
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Maxima
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (290 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
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..900
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NEW CAR
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Better than average ©
192 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
N
Nissan Murano
Nissan Pathfinder
W ith aggressive new styling, Nissan’s midsize SUV gets an
airier interior with larger windows, a lower dashboard, and
an optional full-length panoramic sunroof. An available eight-inch
color display houses the NissanConnect infotainment system, with
access to mobile apps, navigation, and more. Nissan’s punchy,
refined 3.5-liter six-cylinder soldiers on, paired with a continuously
variable transmission. New safety features include moving object
detection and blind spot and cross-traffic warnings, as well as
forward-collision warning with emergency braking. The styling robs
some rear cargo room, however.
T his car-based SUV has seating for seven, but the second row’s
posture is not ideal and the third-row seat is tight. We found the
3.5-liter V6 and CVT delivered decent acceleration, while returning 1 8
mpg overall in our tests. The ride is comfortable enough, but handling
lacks agility. Towing capability is competitive at 5,000 pounds. The
cabin is quiet and spacious, the controls are fairly easy to master,
and the passenger-side rear seat can be moved forward with a child
seat installed. A hybrid with a 2.5-liter, supercharged four-cylinder is
optional. Updates for 2015 include available blind-spot warning and
rear cross-traffic alert. Reliability has been well below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
SL V6
Lowest Rated B3
0 100 ^
Tested modef: 2013 SL 4-door SUV
4WD, 3.5-liter V6, CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
d
Base price: $29,000-$42,000E
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, SV, SL, Platinum
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,190
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 18/23
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Murano
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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• ©©
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $28,950-$44,350
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, SV, SL, Plati-
num, SV Hybrid, SL Hybrid,
Platinum Hybrid
Drive wheels: Front or select-
able AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 hybrid
(250 hp); 3.5-liter V6 (260
hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 72
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 4,505
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,150
Cargo volume, cu.ft 39.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Pathfinder
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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0000*90000
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9999*09090
Brakes
0000*00000
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0000*00000
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0000*90009
Body Integrity
0000*00000
Body Hardware
0000*00000
Power equip.
0000*00900
Audio System
0000*00999
USED CAR
VERDICTS
0000*00900
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 193
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Nissan Quest
Nissan Rogue
T he cavernous Quest is among the most luxurious minivans on the
market, with a plush and quiet interior and a smooth, compliant ride.
Just don’t expect sporty handling. The 3.5-liter, V6 engine feels lively, even
in this big van, and returns a respectable 19 mpg overall. The two rear
rows of seats can fold flat to form a convenient, flush load floor. But the
Quest seats only seven at most, whereas much of the competition can
seat eight. A covered cargo bay behind the third-row seat can hide lug-
gage, an uncommon feature in a minivan. A blind-spot detection system
is optional. Reliability has been average. We can no longer recommend
the Quest because it scored a Poor in the I IMS small-overlap crash test.
recent redesign transformed the Rogue from a decent small SUV
to one of the better choices. The Rogue now rides better than
most competitors and is fairly quiet and refined. Power comes from
a 2.5-liter four-cylinder mated to an updated CVT. Qur AWD Rogue
delivered 24 mpg overall. The interior is roomier and better finished,
and rear access is aided by doors that open almost ninety degrees.
An optional, if small, third-row seat allows seating for seven in a pinch.
A rear camera is standard, and available safety gear includes rear
cross-traffic alert, and forward-collision, lane-departure, and blind-spot
warnings. First year reliability of the redesign has been average.
ROAD TEST SCORE 79
Minivans P F G VG E
Tested model: 2011 SL minivan,
3.5-liter V6, CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE O
FUEL ECONOMY Q
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST O
OWNER SATISFACTION O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE ©
FUEL ECONOMY O
Base price: $25,990-$42,640
Body styles: minivan
Trim lines: S, SV, SL, Platinum
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (260 hp)
Engine Minor
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Exterior dimensions
Length (in.)
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. . 1,160
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. .19/25
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $22,790-$29,630
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, SV, SL
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Rogue
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (170 hp)
Engine Major
Engine Minor
©©©oooo
Transmissions: CVT
Engine Cooling
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 66
Climate System
Suspension
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©©©o©oo
Brakes
Exhaust
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Wheelbase (in.) 107
Weight (lb.) 3,590
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 31.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . . 1,100
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/32
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
©oo©o©o
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Body Hardware
Power eguip.
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Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oo©o©©o
00©©©©0
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Quest
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major ★★★★★ ★OO*
194 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
N
Nissan Sentra
T he Sentra compact sedan looks good at first glance but ultimately
trails the class best. We got 29 mpg overall from the noisy 1 .8-liter
four-cylinder and CVT, which feels more like a regular automatic. The
engine is noisy but road noise is relatively well-suppressed. The ride
is steady but impacts are stiff over pavement imperfections. Handling
is fairly responsive and proved secure at its limits but the steering is
vague. The tall stance makes cabin access easy. Features content on
the SV trim includes infotainment and a backup camera. A low-cost
nav system is optional. Reliability has dropped to well below average.
It also scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
Nissan Titan
issan’s full-sized pickup truck, the Titan, stands out with an
impressively large cabin. This is a relatively agile truck, but the
ride suffers from a rubbery jiggle. The muscular V8 provides strong
acceleration and is mated to a very smooth transmission. That said,
engine drone can become tiresome. Fuel economy is a dismal 14
mpg. Interior fit and finish is very basic, bordering on austere. The
damped-action tailgate is a nice touch. All but the base models are
available with a backup camera. A long-needed redesign arrives
this fall, and will include a light-duty Cummins diesel engine.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
•
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
Ll*l
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
d
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $15,990-$19,820
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: S, FE S, SV, FE SV,
SR, SL
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 (130 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 2,835
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 860
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 30/39
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Sentra
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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©©©o©o©o©*
Climate System
©o©oo©©oo*
Suspension
©ooo©o©©o*
Brakes
©©□©©©•©•*
Exhaust
•©••oo©ee*
Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
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•ooooo©©o*
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VERDICTS
oooo©oo©o*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average #
Base price: $29,360-$43,280
Body styles: extended cab;
crew cab
Trim lines: S, SV, PR0-4X, SL
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 3 front, 3 rear
Engines: 5.6-liter V8 (317 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 225
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 77
Wheelbase (in.) 140
Weight (lb.) 5,275
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,600
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . .9,100
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg 12/17
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Titan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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o©©©*©****
USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 195
H VEHICLE PROFILES
Nissan Versa
N issan’s subcompact Versa sedan is disappointing, with a noisy
and cheap interior. The engine drones as the car gathers
speed, and the continuously variable transmission accentuates
engine noise. Handling, though secure, lacks agility. The ride is
compliant but jumpy. To its credit, the rear cabin is relatively roomy
and fuel economy is commendable at 32 mpg overall. Changes for
2015 include new interior refinements and exterior styling. Reliabil-
ity has been average. The Versa scored a poor in the IIHS small-
overlap crash test.
Nissan Versa Note
D Recommended
T he Versa Note offers amazing space and versatility. It’s also qui-
eter and more relaxed to drive than most subcompacts. Its tall
stance and wide doors make it easy to maneuver, park, and hop in
and out. The rear seat is really roomy, and the ride feels comfortable
and relaxed. Handling is more responsive than the Versa sedan. Our
main gripes are its awkward driving position, squishy front seats, and
lack of interior storage. The CVT can magnify coarse engine noise
when accelerating, but its 31 mpg overall is respectable. Changes
for 2015 include standard Bluetooth, available heated seats, and new
interior refinements. First year reliability has been average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
SV 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2012 SV sedan,
1.6-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
•
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
Wagons/
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
SV 4
Lowest Rated
P F G VG E
Tested model: 2014 SV 4-door
hatchback, 1.6-liter 4-cyi., CVT
■ REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $11,990-$16,890
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: S, S Plus, SV, SL
Drive wheels: Front
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY 1
Base price: $14,180-$17,960
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: S, S Plus, SV, SR,
SL
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
n
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Versa Sedan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Versa Hatch-
back, Note
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (109 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed man-
Engine Major
Engine Minor
■k-k-k-k-kO-k-k
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.6-liter 4 (109 hp)
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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ual; CVT; 4-speed automatic
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Length (in.)
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2,430
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Max. load (lb.)
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. .850
. . 15.0
. . .NR
.31/40
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Cargo volume, cu.ft. . .
Towing capacity (lb.). .
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EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .
..850
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196 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
N
Nissan Xterra
Nissan Z
he Xterra feels crude but is very capable off-road. Although
the ride is stiff, handling is relatively responsive. The strong V6
engine delivers quick acceleration but overall fuel economy is just
17 mpg. The automatic is smooth, but the four-wheel-drive system
is a rudimentary part-time type. The basic interior looks rugged and
is well assembled. The off-road trim line has a hill-descent control
that maintains a very low speed on slippery downhill grades. Reli-
ability has been above average, but the Xterra scores too low to be
recommended.
E mploying a wonderfully strong yet smooth 3.7-liter V6, the Nissan
Z delivers quick acceleration and respectable fuel economy. The
six-speed manual is a bit notchy but easy to use, and it can match
revs on downshifts. Handling is very agile, with quick steering and
lots of grip, but somehow the car isn’t as engaging to drive as one
would expect. The ride is very stiff and choppy, and road and tire
noise are constant. The Z’s well-finished interior is cramped, and
visibility is lousy. A convertible and stiffer, higher-performance NISMO
versions are available. Changes for 2015 include standard Bluetooth
and revised suspension tuning.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE g*]
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
S V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2005 S 4-door SUV
4WD, 4.0-llter V6, 5-speed auto-
matic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $23,660-$31,640
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: X, S, PR0-4X
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 4.0-liter V6 (261 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 5-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 179
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 75
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 4,480
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 920
Cargo volume, cu.ft 45.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 15/20
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan Xterra
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
00©©©©00©*
Engine Cooling
©•ooooo©o*
Trans. Major
• ••oooooo*-
Trans. Minor
Drive System
• •09Q0000-k
Fuel System
• ••ooeoeoTk-
Electrical
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Climate System
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Suspension
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
©•oooo©©o*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $29,990-$49,400
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: Base, Sport, Tour-
ing, Touring Sport, NISMO,
NISMO Tech
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 3.7-liter V6 (332 hp);
3.7-liter V6 (350 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 7-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 167
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 52
Wheelbase (in.) 100
Weight (lb.) 3,385
% weight front/rear . . 54/46
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 450
Cargo volume, cu.ft 7.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .18/26
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Nissan 350Z, 370Z
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©0***0****
Engine Minor
©©***©****
Engine Cooling
©0***0****
Trans. Major
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Suspension
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Body Integrity
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Body Hardware
©©***©****
Power equip.
©0***0****
Audio System
©0***0****
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©***©****
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 197
P VEHICLE PROFILES
T he 911 ’s iconic shape hides a thoroughly modern sports car,
delivering performance and relative civility. The base model gets
a 350-hp, 3.4-liter six, while the Carrera S uses a 400-hp, 3.8-liter
six, both matched with a seven-speed manual. Measures to help
with fuel efficiency include shut-off at idle and electric power steer-
ing. The 911 is quick, super agile, sounds terrific, and the auto-
mated manual gives nothing up to the stick shift. It isn’t particularly
taxing on long trips, thanks to its relatively civilized— though not
plush — ride and decent sound deadening. Starting in 2015, a rear-
view camera is optional. Reliability has improved to average.
orsche’s entry-level roadster is tremendous fun to drive and
offers strong 2.7- and 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engines. Both the
base and S versions are offered with a choice of a six-speed man-
ual or a seven-speed automated-manual transmission. The 2.7-liter
we tested is very responsive and the manual shifter is smooth and
crisp. Handling is still excellent despite some loss of steering feed-
back and the ride is not punishing. The power top deploys quickly
and can be operated at speeds up to 35 mph, and the front and
rear trunks are still a bonus. Reliability has been above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $84,300-$194,600
Body styles: convertible;
coupe
Trim lines: Carrera, Carrera S,
Carrera 4, Carrera 4S, GTS,
Turbo, Turbo S
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.4-liter 6 (350 hp);
3.8-liter 6 (400 hp); 3.8-liter 6
(475 hp); 3.8-liter 6 turbo (520
hp); 3.8-liter 6 turbo (560 hp)
Transmissions: 7-spd sequen-
tial; 6-spd man; 7-spd man
RELIABILITY HISTORY
Base price: $51,400-$73,500
Body styles: convertible
Trim lines: Base, S, GTS
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Porsche 911
TROUBLE
Porsche Boxster
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Drive wheels: Rear
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
* O O © O * ★ O O *
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Seating: 2 front
Engines: 2.7-liter 6 (265 hp);
3.4-liter 6 (315 hp); 3.4-liter 6
(330 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
★ ©★★★★★★©•A-
★O******©*
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 96
Weight (lb.) 3,235
% weight front/rear . . 38/62
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 660
Cargo volume, cu.ft 5.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/27
Climate System ★©□©©★★©O*
Suspension •*■©©©©•*■★©©•*■
Brakes
★ ©©©©★★o©-*-
Exhaust
★ ©©©©★★©©•A-
Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
★ o©©©*-*-©©*
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★©©©©★★o©*
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
* © © o © * * © o *
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 172
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 97
Weight (lb.) 3,035
% weight front/rear . .46/54
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 485
Cargo volume, cu.ft 5.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/30
Climate System ★ ©
Suspension ★ O
Brakes ★ ©
Exhaust ★ ©
Paint/Trim ★ ©
Body Integrity ★ ©
Body Hardware ★ ©
Power equip. ★ ©
Audio System ★ ©
USED CAR
VERDICTS ★©*★★***©★
NEW CAR n „ A
PREDICTION Better than average ©
198 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Porsche Cayenne
Porsche Cayman
Q ReoommeiKfed
T he midsized Cayenne is one of the sportiest, most agile SUVs
on the market. The base V6 has been replaced by a turbo V6
for 2015. A V6 diesel, V8, and hybrid engines are also available.
The eight-speed automatic is super-smooth. The ride is supple and
steady but rather stiff at low speeds. The seats are comfortable,
and the cargo area is roomy enough. Interior fit and finish is impec-
cable, but the controls are confusing. The stop/start feature shuts
the engine off at idle to save fuel but is slow to restart at times;
luckily it can be disabled. Reliability has been above average.
he Cayman is longer, lower, and lighter than the previous
model. Launched in Cayman and Cayman S trims, it shares its
platform with the Boxster. The base model is powered by a 2.7-liter
flat-six engine. Offering higher performance, the Cayman S and
GTS versions pack a stronger 3.4-liter flat six. All engines offer
incremental power gains over the out-going model. In our tests of
the 2.7-liter Boxster, we found it responsive and the manual shifter
is smooth and crisp. Handling is still excellent despite some loss of
steering feedback and the ride is tolerable.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
1 FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $61,700-$113,600
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Diesel, S, S
E-Hybrid, Turbo
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbod-
iesel (240 hp); 3.0-liter V6
hybrid (416 hp); 3.6-liter V6
turbo (420 hp); 4.8-liter V8
turbo (520 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 4,795
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,280
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . . 7,715
Fuel
Diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/29
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Porsche Cayenne
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
**
****ooo
Engine Minor
**
★ ★ ★ ★ o o o
Engine Cooling
**
★ ★ ★ ★ © o o
Trans. Major
**
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Trans. Minor
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Drive System
**
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Fuel System
**
* * * * o © ©
Electrical
**
★ ★ ★ ★ o o o
Climate System
**
★ ★ ★ ★ o o o
Suspension
**
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Brakes
★ o o o
Exhaust
**
★ ★ o o o
Paint/Trim
**
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Body Integrity
**
★★**©©o
Body Hardware
**
* *•*■*©© ©
Power equip.
**
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Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
**
★ •*■*•*■ o o o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $52,600-$75,200
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: Base, S, GTS
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 2.7-liter 6 (275 hp);
3.4-liter 6 (325 hp); 3.4-liter
6 (340 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 172
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 95
Weight (lb.) 2,955
% weight front/rear . . 45/55
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 485
Cargo volume, cu.ft 9.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Porsche Cayman
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 199
P VEHICLE PROFILES
Porsche Macan
P orsche’s latest model combines the performance of its sports
cars with the functional package of a small SUV. Two engines
are offered; a 3.0-liter V6 turbo in the S and a 3.6-liter V6 turbo
in the uplevel Turbo. A diesel version may follow some time later.
The PDK automated manual transmission is standard. Despite the
sub-$50,000 base price, typically-equipped S models land in the
low-$60,000 range. The Turbo starts at $72,300. While based on
the Audi Q5, the power and handling are true Porsche, as are the
seats, interior, fit and finish, and attention to detail. The cabin is
quite snug and the controls are a dizzying array of buttons.
Porsche Panamera
P orsche has introduced its first plug-in hybrid and longer Execu-
tive variants of the Panamera. The S E-Hybrid produces 416
total system hp, while the S model now uses a new 3.0-liter turbo
V6. This large, four-door luxury hatchback has a coupe silhouette
and remains true to the marque. It delivers performance and agility
with comfort for four adults. Handling is agile and enjoyable, with
excellent steering and lots of cornering grip. The ride is a bit on the
firm side for a luxury car, though. The beautifully finished interior is
fitted with a button-dominated center console that can be intimi-
dating at first.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
85
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
S V6
Lowest Rated
Etl
0
100
Tested model: 2015 S 4-door SUV
AWD, 3.0-liter V6 turbo, 7-speed
sequential
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $49,900-$72,300
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, Turbo
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbo
(340 hp); 3.6-liter V6 turbo
(400 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Porsche Macan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 184
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,415
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,150
Cargo volume, cu.ft 29.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,290
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 17/23
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
Base price: $78,100-$200,500
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: Base, 4, S, 4S, S
E-Hybrid, GTS, 4S Executive,
Turbo, Turbo S, Turbo Executive
Drive wheels: Rear or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 3.6-liter V6 (310 hp);
3.0-liter V6 hybrid (416 hp);
3.0-liter V6 turbo (420 hp);
4.8-liter V8 (440 hp); 4.8-liter
V8 turbo (520, 570 hp)
Transmissions: 7-speed
sequential; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 115
Weight (lb.) 4,165
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,080
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . .16/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Porsche Panamera
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 1
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
200 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
R
Ram 1500
T he Ram is the most civilized full-sized pickup, yet is plenty capable.
Its coil-spring rear suspension helps cushion the ride and the spa-
cious cab is luxury-car quiet. Our Big Horn Crew Cab, with its smooth
5.7-liter V8, averaged 15 mpg. The base 3.6-liter V6 is no weakling, but
tows less. Unique among half-ton trucks, the torquey 3.0-liter diesel
V6 is expensive, but has effortless thrust and returns a class-leading
20-mpg overall. All engines are now mated to a slick eight-speed auto-
matic. Rear seat room is generous and the Uconnect 8.4 touch screen
infotainment system is easy to use. Reliability has dropped to below
average with the gas engines; diesel reliability is still unknown.
Ram 2500
T he Ram 2500 has undergone improvements similar to the ones
the Ram 1500 received. With a coil-spring rear suspension it now
has a ride that is more civilized than competing heavy-duty trucks.
Chrysler’s powerful 383-hp, 5.7-liter V8 is the standard engine, but you
can opt for the powerful 6.7-liter Cummins turbodiesel. This strong-
pulling diesel engine is not available on the Ram 1500. The truck
lends itself easily to fifth wheel towing. It has two rear cameras: one
for backing up, another for monitoring what’s in the bed. The crew
cab’s rear seat is very roomy. Reliability of the turbodiesel version has
dropped to well below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
1
•
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
1 .
NA
Base price: $24,810-$51,825
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: Tradesman,
Express, HFE, SLT, Lone Star,
Big Horn, Outdoorsman,
Sport, Laramie
Drive wheels: Rear, part-time,
or permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0L V6 turbodiesel
(240 hp); 3.6L V6 (305 hp);
5.7L V8 (395 hp)
Transmissions: 6- & 8-spd auto
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 229
Width (in.) 79
Height (in.) 79
Wheelbase (in.) 141
Weight (lb.) 5,495
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,270
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). 10,050
Fuel
Regular or diesel
ERA city/hwy, mpg 15/21
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ram 1500 (V8, 4WD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
0©0©0©©©©0
Engine Cooling
c
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Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
•©©©o©©oo©
Drive System
Fuel System
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Electrical
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Climate System
©•o©«©©e©e
Suspension
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Brakes
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Exhaust
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•••o#o©oo©
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
oo©o©o©o#©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Worse than average ©
Base price: $30,61 5-$54,250
Body styles: mega cab; regu-
lar cab; crew cab
Trim lines: ST, SLT, TRX,
Power Wagon, Laramie
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 6.7-liter 6 turbodie-
sel (350 hp); 6.7-liter 6 tur-
bodiesel (370 hp); 5.7-liter V8
(383 hp); 6.4-liter V8 (410 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 228
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 79
Wheelbase (in.) 141
Weight (lb.) 7,320
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 2,290
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). .13,450
Fuel
Regular or diesel
ERA city/hwy, mpg NA
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Ram 2500 & 3500
(diesel)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 201
S VEHICLE PROFILES
Scion FR-S
J ointly developed with Subaru, the rear-wheel-drive FR-S features a
2.0-liter four-cylinder, teamed with a choice of a six-speed manual
or six-speed automatic transmission. Its low curb weight and optimal
weight distribution give it super-agile handling and balance at its limits.
In corners, the car turns in promptly, with virtually no body lean. The
steering is well weighted, with decent feedback, and the ride is slightly
more compliant than the Subaru BRZ. Inside, the cabin is relatively
plain, with well-bolstered sport seats, but the stiff ride and elevated
noise can be taxing. The vestigial rear seats are best left for cargo. We
cannot recommend the FR-S due to below average reliability.
Scion iQ
T he Scion iQ, a tiny four-seat hatchback, is one of the lowest
scoring cars we’ve tested in recent years. Slow, noisy, and
uncomfortable, the iQ’s few positives include being exceptionally
easy to park and overall fuel economy of 34 mpg. The extremely
tiny rear seats won’t make anyone riding back there happy, and the
numb yet overly quick steering makes the iQ darty. The iQ makes
little sense, unless you spend all of your driving time in a crowded
city. Plenty of much nicer cars cost about the same, gets compa-
rable fuel economy, and don’t beat you up.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
36
Wagons/ d r
hatchbacks ^ ^
G VG E
Hiahest Rated
2-door hatchback 4
Lowest Rated ■!id
0
100
Tested model: 2012 2-door
I
hatchback, 1.3-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $24,900-$31,090
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: Base, 10 Series
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (200 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 167
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 51
Wheelbase (in.) 101
Weight (lb.) 2,770
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 700
Cargo volume, cu.ft 7.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Scion FR-S
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
o ★
Engine Cooling
o ★
Trans. Major
Oic
Trans. Minor
©*
Drive System
O -k
Fuel System
• k
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O k
Climate System
©*
Suspension
Ok
Brakes
O k
Exhaust
O k
Paint/Trim
O *
Body Integrity
Ok
Body Hardware
Ok
Power equip.
©*
Audio System
O k
USED CAR
VERDICTS
Ok
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average O
Base price: $15,665
Body styles: 2-door hatchback
Trim lines: Base, 10 Series
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 1.3-liter 4 (94 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 120
Width (in.) 66
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 79
Weight (lb.) 2,140
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 660
Cargo volume, cu.ft 4.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 36/37
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Scion iQ
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 1
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
202 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
s
Scion tC
Scion xB
he tC got a mild cosmetic freshening for 2014. Its 2.5-liter
four-cylinder provides adequate acceleration. When mated to
the six-speed automatic, it averaged a very good 27 mpg overall.
The automatic has a rev-matching feature for 2014. While it looks
like a sporty coupe, the tC’s handling is quite mundane. It’s noisy
and stiff riding, making it an unpleasant companion. On the plus
side are the tC’s hatchback versatility and particularly spacious rear
seat. Interior fit and finish is unimpressive, and the thick rear roof
pillars and small windows block outward visibility.
T he funky-looking xB is a versatile and reliable little hauler. It
uses a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that delivers good performance,
but returns only 23 mpg overall. The ride is fairly compliant, and
handling is responsive. Its cabin is quiet, but the center-mounted
gauges and layout for the radio controls are a little annoying. The
rear seat is enormous, and cabin access is very easy. The cargo
area is generous, but low windows and thick roof pillars make the
cabin dark and impair visibility. Reliability has been outstanding.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
P F G VG E
Wagons/
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
wagon 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2008 wagon, 2.4-liter
4-cyl., 4-speed automatic
■ REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $19,210-$22,400
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: Base, 10 Series
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (179 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; 6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 177
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,155
% weight front/rear . . 63/37
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 865
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 23/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Scion tC
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
o©o*******
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
©©©*****■**
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
©©©******•*■
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©O©*******
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©©©*******
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $16,970-$20,420
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: Base, 10 Series
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.4-liter 4 (158 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 4-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 167
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,120
% weight front/rear . . 63/37
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 34.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/28
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Scion xB
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©©
©©©©©©^
Engine Minor
©©
Engine Cooling
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PREDICTION Much better than average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 203
S VEHICLE PROFILES
Smart ForTwo
T his tiny two-seater is good on gas and a snap to park. After that,
the positives pretty much run out. The Smart features a 1 .0-liter,
three-cylinder engine that does a decent job keeping up with traffic,
but the car is very slow when taking off from a stop. We measured
39 mpg overall, but the dinky little engine requires premium fuel. The
harsh ride, clumsy handling, and automated manual transmission,
with its extremely jerky and jarring gear changes, all make the driving
experience nasty. Access to the cabin is very easy, and the seats
are comfortable. An electrically-powered version with a rated 68-mile
range and 107 mpg equivalent is available. A redesign arrives in 2015.
D eveloped with Toyota, Subaru’s first RWD sports car features a
2.0-liter four-cylinder with a choice of a six-speed manual or auto-
matic. Handling is super responsive, with impressive agility. In corners,
the BRZ turns in promptly, with virtually no body lean. The steering is
quick and well weighted, with decent feedback. At its limits, the BRZ
understeers more than its mechanical sibling, the Toyota FR-S. That
difference makes it more forgiving but slightly less rewarding. The
ride is also a bit more jittery. The cabin is relatively plain, with well-
bolstered sport seats, but the ride and elevated noise can be taxing.
Reliability is well below average and we can’t recommend the BRZ.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCORE
25
Wagons/
hatchbacks
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
Passion 3
Lowest Rated
U lUU
Tested model: 2008 Passion 2-door
hatchback, 1.0-liter 3-cyl., 5-speed
sequentiai
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $13,270-$17,930
Body styles: 2-door hatch-
back; convertible
Trim lines: Pure, Passion
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front
Engines: 1.0-liter 3 (70 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
sequential
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 106
Width (in.) 61
Height (in.) 61
Wheelbase (in.) 74
Weight (lb.) 1,805
% weight front/rear . .44/56
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 505
Cargo volume, cu.ft 8.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .34/38
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY 1
Base price: $25,695-$28,795
Body styles: coupe
Trim lines: Premium, Limited
Drive wheels: Rear
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Smart ForTwo
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru BRZ
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (200 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
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manual; 6-speed automatic
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Climate System
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Length (in.)
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..167
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..700
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...NR
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
22/30
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much worse than average
•
204 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
s
Subaru Forester
n RfvinrniirvfHVfMl
F ollowing its back-to-basics redesign, the Forester has topped our
Ratings. Its positives include large windows, big doors, an excel-
lent driving position, and unusually spacious rear seating. In our tests,
the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and CVT averaged an impressive 26 mpg
overall. Trade-offs included the not-so-composed ride and less-than-
agile, although ultimately secure, handling. Engine noise is pronounced
at times, too. Controls are very simple but infotainment and connectiv-
ity are a bit behind. Mid-trim Foresters bring a lot of content for the
money. The optional X-Mode gives it some off-road ability. New for
2015 is a standard backup camera for all trim lines.
Subaru Impreza
T he Impreza is a particularly well-rounded package and is among
our top-scoring compact sedans. The ride is very absorbent
and controlled. Handling is responsive and secure. Acceleration
is adequate, and fuel economy of 27 mpg overall for the sedan is
impressive given the standard all-wheel drive. The hatchback gets
26 mpg overall and has a handy-sized cargo area. Road and engine
noise, exacerbated by the continuously variable transmission are our
only serious complaints. Subaru claims it improved noise isolation
and updated the audio system for 2015. The interior is spacious for
the class, controls are straightforward, and visibility is good.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE 7
'9
Sedans P F G
VG E
Highest Rated
Premium 4
m
Lowest Rated
0
100
Tested model: 2012 Premium sedan
AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl., CVT
I REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
0
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
0
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $22,195-$33,095
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium,
2.5i Limited, 2.5i Touring,
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Tour-
ing
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (170 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (250 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 181
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,370
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 35.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Regular or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/32
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru Forester
(non-turbo)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
Base price: $17,895-$22,995
Body styles: sedan; wagon
Trim lines: 2.0i, Premium,
Limited, Sport Premium,
Sport Limited
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (148 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 180
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,015
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 27/36
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru Impreza
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
••••oee©ee
Engine Minor
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©©©©©©•©••
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 205
S VEHICLE PROFILES
Subaru WRX/STI
T he redesigned WRX is only available as a sedan. Its 2.0-liter turbo
four-cylinder produces 268 hp and an abundant 258 Ib.-ft. of torque,
driving all four wheels. A six-speed manual is standard. A CVT with
three drive modes— Intelligent, Sport, and Sport Sharp— is optional.
Acceleration is strong, but the optimal power band is narrow. Handling
is very capable, but the stiff and choppy ride beats you up. The shifter
isn’t the slickest and the high clutch effort makes daily driving a chore.
Still, it’s among the few practical high-performance cars. The even more
powerful WRX STi has a giant wing, some transmission and suspension
differences, and a stronger 305-hp engine.
Subaru Legacy
T he redesigned Legacy is roomier, quieter, and much more refined.
It rides very comfortably, with sound and secure handling. The
2.5-liter four-cylinder is carried over but the continuously variable
transmission has been improved. Overall the driving experience is
much calmer. A 3.6-liter six-cylinder is also available. The much-
needed infotainment improvements include a 6.2-inch touch screen
and multifunction display with Internet radio and Bluetooth. Uplevel
models add a larger screen, and upgraded audio. New safety features
include a standard rearview camera and an available rear radar system
with blind spot, cross traffic, and lane change warnings.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sporty cars P F G VG E
Highest Rated
WRX Premium 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2015 WRX Premium
sedan AWD, 2.0-iiter 4-cyl. turbo,
6-speed manual
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
2.5i Premium 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2015 2.5i Premium
sedan AWD, 2.5-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $26,295-$38,495
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: WRX, WRX Pre-
mium, WRX Limited, STi, STi
Launch Edition, STi Limited
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(268 hp); 2.5-liter 4 turbo
(305 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
manual; CVT
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru Imp^reza
WRX/STi
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major ★ ★
Engine Minor ic ★
Engine Cooling ★ ★
Trans. Major ic ic
Trans. Minor ic ic
Drive System ic ic
Fuel System ic ic
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 180
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 103
Weight (lb.) 3,320
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 21/28
Climate System ★★★★★★OOOO
Suspension ★★★★★★©©OO
Brakes
Exhaust
★★★★★★©©OO
Paint/Trim
******••© o
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
******©o©o
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $21,695-$29,595
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium,
2.5i Limited, 3.6R Limited
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (175 hp);
3.6-liter 6 (256 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,470
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 850
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 26/36
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru Legacy
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
o
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Trans. Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
206 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
s
Subaru Outback
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Q Recommended
his all-new Outback wagon is more refined, with an inch more
legroom in the rear seat, and improved noise isolation. It rides very
comfortably, with secure handling. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder is carried
over but the CVT has been improved. Overall the driving experience is
calmer, snd the 3.6-liter six-cylinder makes it quicker and quieter. The
much-needed infotainment improvements include a 6.2-inch touch
screen and multifunction display with Internet radio and Bluetooth.
Uplevel models add a larger screen, and upgraded audio. New safety
features include a standard rearview camera and an available rear
radar system with blind spot, cross traffic, and lane change warnings.
he Crosstrek is a small quasi-SUV version of the Impreza hatch-
back, but with a raised ride height that gives it enough altitude
to slosh through deeply rutted roads. It may appeal to those living
at the end of a dirt road who don’t want anything big and bulky. The
cabin is rather noisy, the ride is stiff, and the little 148-hp, 2.0-liter
four-cylinder engine has to work hard to maintain highway speed,
but fuel economy is a gratifying 26 mpg. The costlier Hybrid barely
improves on that at 28 mpg. At least the Hybrid is a little quieter and
sounds less strained. Either way the regular Impreza hatch may be a
better choice: it’s quieter, quicker, cheaper, and better-riding.
ROAD TEST SCORE 82 ^
Wagons/
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
2.5i Premium 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested modef: 2015 2.5i Premium
wagon AWD, 2.5-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
Premium 4
Lowest Rated B3
0 100
Tested model: 2013 Premium 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl., CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY O
OWNER COST ©
OWNER SATISFACTION ©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE ©
FUEL ECONOMY ©
Base price: $24,895-$32,995
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium,
2.5i Limited, 3.6R Limited
Drive wheeis: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (175 hp);
3.6-liter 6 (256 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 66
Wheelbase (in.) 108
Weight (lb.) 3,640
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 34.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,700
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/33
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru Outback
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13
14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
□••Qoeeeoe
Engine Cooling
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
Base price: $21,995-$29,295
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Premium, Limited,
Hybrid, Hybrid Touring
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (148 hp);
2.0-liter 4 hybrid (160 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 175
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 62
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,165
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 23.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/33
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Subaru XV Crosstrek
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ee
Engine Minor
ee
Engine Cooling
ee
Trans. Major
ee
Trans. Minor
ee
Drive System
ee
Fuel System
ee
Electrical
ee
Climate System
ee
Suspension
ee
Brakes
ee
Exhaust
ee
Paint/Trim
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Body Integrity
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Body Hardware
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Power eguip.
ee
Audio System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
©e
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 207
VEHICLE PROFILES
Tesla Model S
Tesla Model X
he Tesla Model S is a great four-door luxury sporty car that
happens to be electric. This large, low-slung hatchback seats
five, or, with the optional rear-facing jump seats, seven in a pinch.
With its optional 85 kWh battery, the largest available, it can travel
between 180 and 225 miles per charge and can be fully charged in
as little as five hours on a dedicated Tesla connector. Performance
is exceptional, with thrilling acceleration, pinpoint handling, and
a comfortable ride. A huge iPad-like center screen controls many
functions. Drawbacks include tight access, restricted visibility, and
range limitations in cold weather. Reliability has been average.
T he electric-powered Model X seven-passenger SUV is based
on the Model S, with falcon-wing back doors that open up and
out of the way. Like the S, the Model X has a large, flat battery pack
under the floor. It comes in two sizes: The base, 60-kWh battery
should give the car a range about 150 miles. The larger, 85-kWh bat-
tery pack, should amount to just over 200 miles, depending on the
motors. All-wheel drive will be standard. The Performance version
uses more powerful motors. Prices are said to mirror those of the
Model S, which starts at about $70,000, and steps up to more than
$90,000 with its largest battery pack and options.
Base price: $69,900-$94,900
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Base, Performance
Drive wheels: Rear
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: Electric (302 hp);
Electric (362 hp); Electric
(416 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 196
Width (in.) 77
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 117
Weight (lb.) 4,695
% weight front/rear . . 47/53
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 920
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 32.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Electric
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .88/90
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Tesla Model S
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eee
Engine Minor
eee
Engine Cooling
eee
Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
ooo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
NA
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $70,000-$95,000E
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: Base, Performance
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: Electric (302 hp);
Electric (362 hp)
Transmissions: 1-speed direct
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Tesla Model X
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 197
Width (in.) 82
Height (in.) 64
Wheelbase (in.) 121
Weight (lb.) NA
% weight front/rear NA
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Electric
EPA city/hwy, mpg NA
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NO
DATA
NEW
MODEL
New
208 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Avalon
T he 4Runner falls a little short of most modern SUVs. It’s good
for off-roading, and its rough-sounding 4.0-liter V6 is powerful
and relatively fuel-efficient. But the ride is unsettled, and handling is
clumsy. The body leans a good deal while cornering and the bob-
bing and bouncing chips away at driver confidence. A high step-in
and low ceiling compromise both access and driving position, and
interior fit and finish is unimpressive. The SR5’s 4WD system is
part-time only. A third-row seat is optional, and the power- retract-
able rear window is handy. Reliability is well above average, but it
scores too low to be recommended.
adly, the Avalon’s formerly excellent ride was stiffened too much
with the last redesign, especially on versions with the 18-inch
tires. It no longer has the pillow-soft ride of its predecessor, which
was one of its more remarkable features. Handling was sharpened
up and the styling made more attractive, but the controls were made
more complicated. The lively 268-hp V6 is teamed with a smooth
six-speed automatic and delivers a commendable 24 mpg overall.
The hybrid’s 2.5-liter four-cylinder is teamed with an electric motor,
returning an impressive 36 mpg overall. Upscale materials and finish
details give the spacious cabin a lush, luxurious ambiance.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $33,010-$43,420
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SR5, Trail, Limited,
TRD Pro
Drive wheels: Rear, part-time,
or permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 4.0-liter V6 (270 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 190
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 72
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 4,665
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,155
Cargo volume, cu.ft 44.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 17/22
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota 4Runner (V6)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
e
e
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0©©©00©0©0
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
Base price: $31,590-$41,650
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: XLE, Premium,
Touring, Limited, Hybrid Pre-
mium, Hybrid Touring, Hybrid
Limited
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 hybrid
(200 hp): 3.5-liter V6 (268
hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 195
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 3,555
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 930
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 21/31
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY I
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Avalon
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
0©©©©©00©0
Climate System 0 ©© 0 © 000 ©©
Suspension
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Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 209
T VEHICLE PROFILES
Toyota Camry
A fter just three years into its current generation, Toyota reskins
America’s most popular car, trying to inject more excitement.
Interior appointments have been upgraded and center dashboard
controls simplified. But changes affecting ride and handling are
quite modest. The Camry still has a comfortable ride and handling
is sound, but unexceptional. Other changes resulted in reduced
road noise. The three powertrain choices are a 2.5-liter, four-cylin-
der; a 3.5-liter V6; and a Hybrid, which gets an amazing 38 mpg
overall. The four-cylinder returned an excellent 27 mpg overall in
our tests. The V6 delivers 26 mpg overall.
Toyota Corolla
T he Corolla delivers a decent ride, and a quiet, spacious interior.
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) replaces the
old four-speed automatic on all but base models. Fuel economy
remains excellent at 32 mpg overall with the CVT, and gets a
significant boost to 43 mpg on the highway. Interior upgrades
include standard Bluetooth connectivity and a touch-screen radio
with simple controls. Inside, nicely padded and stitched surfaces
contrast with drab, hard plastic bits. Handling is lackluster, but very
secure. A sportier S version has a tauter suspension, and is more
responsive than our tested LE.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
LE 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2012 LE sedan,
2.5-liter 4-cyi., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
I
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $22,970-$31,370
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: LE, SE, Hybrid LE,
Hybrid SE, Hybrid XLE, XLE,
XSE
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (173 hp);
2.5-liter 4 (178 hp); 2.5-liter 4
hybrid (200 hp); 3.5-liter V6
(268 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Toyota Camry
SPOTS (4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major OOOOOOOOOO
Engine Minor ©© 0©©00000
Engine Cooling ©OOOOOOOOO
Trans. Major OOOOOOOOOO
Trans. Minor OOOOOOOOOO
Drive System 000©©00000
Fuel System 0 © 0©000000
Electrical ©©© 0 © 0©000
Base price: $16,900-$22,905
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: L, LE, LE Plus, LE
Premium, LE Eco, S, S Plus, S
Premium
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 (132 hp);
1.8-liter 4 (140 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed man-
ual; CVT; 4-speed automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Corolla
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
e
e
e
e
e
•
c
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Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
0000909000
Drive System
Fuel System 0 ©©© 00©00
Electrical © 0 © 00©000
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,155
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/35
Climate System 00000 © 0©©0
Suspension 0©©00©©000
Brakes ©©0000©©00
Exhaust OOOOOOOOOO
Paint/Trim ©©©0©©©©©0
Body Integrity 0©0©0©©0©0
Body Hardware 0 © 0 ©© 0 ©©©©
Power eguip. 00 © 00000©0
Audio System 00 © 0 © 00©©0
USED CAR
VERDICTS 00 ©© 0000©0
NEW CAR M A
PREDICTION Much better than average O
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 183
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 2,900
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 865
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 29/38
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
©o©©oooooo
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
0©000©0©©0
Body Integrity
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PREDICTION
Better than average ©
210 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Toyota Highlander
T he midsized Highlander SUV garners top scores. It handles
responsively, the ride is steady and absorbent, and interior
space is generous. A wider third row allows seating for eight, or
seven with optional second row captain’s chairs. The 2.7-liter four
cylinder and the smooth 3.5-liter V6 are matched to a six-speed
automatic. Hybrid models use the V6 with an electric motor and
a CVT. In our tests the AWD V6 Highlander averaged 20 mpg,
while the Hybrid got 25 mpg. It’s a long reach to some controls,
particularly the standard 6.1 -inch touchscreen. The Entune system’s
includes a larger eight-inch screen. A backup camera is standard.
Toyota Land Cruiser
T oyota’s flagship SUV has the same powerful 5.7-liter V8 from
the Tundra pickup. It is luxurious, quick, quiet, comfortable,
and refined, but is thirsty for fuel at 14 mpg overall. It rides very
comfortably and the interior is roomy and well finished. But it isn’t
the most agile SUV on the road. The Land Cruiser showed terrific
off-road performance in our tests, partly because of its crawl mode
to help ascend and descend steep slopes. A 50/50-split third-row
seat folds up against the side of the cargo area rather than into the
floor, which takes up cargo room. The permanently engaged four-
wheel-drive system is standard.
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
XLE V6
Lowest Rated idM
0 100
Tested model: 2014 XLE 4-door SUV
AWD, 3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
9
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $29,415-$49,990
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LE, LE Plus, XLE,
Limited, Hybrid Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 2.7-liter 4 (185 hp);
3.5-liter V6 (270 hp); 3.5-liter
V6 hybrid (280 hp)
Transmissions: CVT; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 68
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 4,490
% weight front/rear . . 55/45
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,385
Cargo volume, cu.ft 40.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 5,000
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 18/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota ^Highlander
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
eeeoeeeeee
Engine Cooling
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average O
Base price: $79,905
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: -
Drive wheels: Permanent 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 195
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 74
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 5,855
% weight front/rear . . 52/48
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,230
Cargo volume, cu.ft 43.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 8,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 13/18
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Land Cruiser
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
NOT
Fuel System
Electrical
ENOUGH
Climate System
Suspension
DATA
Brakes
Exhaust
TO
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
RATE
Body Hardware
Power equip.
Audio System
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 211
T VEHICLE PROFILES
T he Prius is extremely economical, averaging 44 mpg overall, and
55 mpg on the highway in our tests. With light throttle input it can
quietly drive on electric power up to 25 mph. The ride is firm yet steady,
and handling is sound and secure, but not particularly agile. Road noise
is pronounced. The interior is roomy, but fit and finish is just so-so and
some controls take a bit of getting used to. The plug-in version typically
delivers around 12 miles on electricity, boosting mileage to the equiva-
lent of 67 mpg. When the electric range is depleted, the car reverts to
regular Prius performance, averaging 43 mpg overall. Reliability has
been well above average for both the regular Prius and the plug-in.
T his smaller, less-expensive alternative to the regular Prius feels
more like a subcompact than a sophisticated hybrid. It has
a harsh ride, noisy engine and cabin, and slow acceleration. The
interior looks and feels cheap, the driving position and rear seats
are cramped, and there’s little cargo space. However, its 37 mpg
is the best city fuel economy of any car we’ve tested, and its 43
mpg overall is just 1 mpg less than the regular Prius. 2015 brings a
number of exterior styling updates. Reliability is well above average,
but the Prius C scores too low in our testing to be recommended,
and it scored a poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
ROAD TEST SCORE
ruei eTTicieni or r \/r r
hatchbacks ^ ^ G VG E
Highest Rated
IV 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2010 IV 4-door hatch-
back, 1.8-liter 4-cyl. hybrid, CVT
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $24,200-$34,905
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: Two, Three, Four,
Five, Persona Series, Plug-in,
Plug-in Advanced
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 electric
(134 hp); 1.8-liter 4 hybrid
(134 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 176
Width (in.) 69
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 106
Weight (lb.) 3,115
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 22.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 51/48
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Toyota Prius
SPOTS
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major OOOOOOOOOO
Engine Minor OOOOOOOOOO
Engine Cooling 00©©000000
Trans. Major OOOOOOOOOO
Trans. Minor OOOOOOOOOO
Drive System OOOOOOOOOO
Fuel System OOOOOOOOOO
Electrical 00 © 0000©©0
Climate System OOOOOOOOOO
Suspension OOOOOOOOOO
Brakes OOOOOOOOOO
Exhaust OOOOOOOOOO
Paint/Trim OOOOOOOOOO
Body Integrity OOOOOOOOOO
Body Hardware OOOOOOOOOO
Power eguip. OOOOOOOOOO
Audio System OOOOOOOOOO
USED CAR
VERDICTS OOOOOOOOOO
NEW CAR M A
PREDICTION Much better than average O
Base price: $19,080-$23,360
Body styles: 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: One, Two, Three,
Four
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.5-liter 4 hybrid
(99 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 157
Width (in.) 67
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 100
Weight (lb.) 2,545
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 845
Cargo volume, cu.ft 19.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 53/46
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Prius C
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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Trans. Major
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Trans. Minor
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
212 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Toyota Prius V
T his wagon version of the Prius offers a very roomy rear seat and
a generous cargo area. It’s about the size of the MazdaS but
seats five. Despite its extra weight and a less aerodynamic shape,
the V still got an excellent 41 mpg overall in our tests. The electric
motor and engine have to work fairly hard, especially when the car
is loaded with cargo. It drives similarly to the standard Prius, but rear
visibility is better. A weight-saving plastic moon roof is optional. The
Prius V receives a number of exterior styling updates for 2015. Reli-
ability is well above average. We can no longer recommend the Prius
V because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
Toyota RAV4
T he RAV4 uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and six-speed automatic
that got 24 mpg overall in tests of the AWD version. Handling is
nimble and very secure, with a firm and well-controlled ride. Inside
the cabin are clear, intuitive controls and some upgraded materials.
But a number of cheap details are still apparent. Access is very easy
and the rear seat is roomy. A rear-view camera is standard and the
rear hatch is now top-hinged. A height-adjustable power liftgate is
available on some trim lines. An electric version with a 1 03-mile range
is available in some markets. We can no longer recommend the RAV4
because it scored a Poor in the IIHS small-overlap crash test.
REPORT CARD
Fuel efficient □ c- r \/r r
hatchbacks ^ ^ G VG E
HiQhGst Rdtod
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
Three 4
OWNER COST
o
Lowest Rated
0 100
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
Tested model: 2012 Three wagon,
1.8-liter 4-cyl. hybrid, CVT
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
XLE 4
Lowest Rated
Ri1
0 100
Tested model: 2013 XLE 4-door
SUV AWD, 2.5-liter 4-cyi., 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $26,650-$30,295
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: Two, Three, Five
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.8-liter 4 hybrid
(134 hp)
Transmissions: CVT
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 62
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,280
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 915
Cargo volume, cu.ft 32.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .44/40
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Prius V
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
eee
Engine Minor
eee
Engine Cooling
eee
Trans. Major
eee
Trans. Minor
eee
Drive System
eee
Fuel System
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Electrical
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Climate System
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
Base price: $23,680-$29,850
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LE, XLE, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.5-liter 4 (176 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 180
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 65
Wheelbase (in.) 105
Weight (lb.) 3,535
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft 37.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/29
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota RAV4 {4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
e
e
e
e
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Trans. Minor
Drive System
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©©©©©©©eee
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©©oooo©eee
Brakes
oo©o©oo©ee
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©©©e©ee©e
Body Integrity
©©©o©©o©©©
Body Hardware
Power eguip.
©oo©©e©©ee
Audio System
e©©e©oo©©©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
eooo©©ee©©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 213
T VEHICLE PROFILES
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sienna
T he big, eight-passenger Sequoia has a strong and refined
5.7-liter V8 paired to a six-speed automatic. This combination
returned 15 mpg overall in our tests. Rear- and selectable full-time
four-wheel drive are available. The ride is firm, and handling is
clumsy but secure, and the independent rear suspension allows
the third-row seat to fold into a well, improving cargo space. The
power-retractable rear window is another nice touch. It’s a high
step-in to get into the cabin, but once inside passengers will find
the interior very roomy. Reliability has been above average, but the
Sequoia scores too low in our testing to recommend.
he Sienna is a sensible choice, but in some ways it isn’t as nice
as the previous generation. Interior fit and finish is mediocre,
and the cabin is a bit noisy. The Sienna rides very comfortably,
but handling is lackluster. The 3.5-liter V6 is lively and returns a
respectable 20 mpg. The all-wheel-drive version sacrifices just 1
mpg— and it’s the only minivan on the market that offers an AWD.
An eighth seat cleverly stores in the back when it isn’t installed
in the center of the middle row. The Sienna receives a number of
interior and exterior styling updates for 2015. Reliability has been
above average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE
60
SUVs
P F
G VG E
Highest Rated
Limited V8
m
Lowest Rated
Ktl
0
100
Tested model: 2008 Limited 4-door
SUV 4WD, 5.7-liter V8, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
d
Base price: $44,395-$64,320
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: SR5, Limited,
Platinum
Drive wheels: Rear or select-
able 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 205
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 75
Wheelbase (in.) 122
Weight (lb.) 6,025
% weight front/rear . . .51/49
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,230
Cargo volume, cu.ft 61.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 7,300
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg .... 13/17
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
Toyota Sequoia
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average e
Base price: $28,600-$46,150
Body styles: minivan
Trim lines: L, LE, SE, XLE,
XLE AWD, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 3
third
Engines: 3.5-liter V6 (266 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 200
Width (in.) 78
Height (in.) 69
Wheelbase (in.) 119
Weight (lb.) 4,445
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,390
Cargo volume, cu.ft 70.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 18/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Sienna (FWD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
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USED CAR
VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
214 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Toyota Tacoma
T he Tacoma remains a workhorse compact pickup. Fuel econ-
omy is competitive, but clumsy handling makes it a chore to
drive long distances. The 4.0-liter V6 provides strong performance
but is noisy. However, the Tacoma’s incessantly jiggly ride grows
fatiguing and it’s particularly stiff with the TRD suspension package.
The cabin’s high floor and low roof makes access tricky and the
driving position is too low and uncomfortable. Towing and off-road
capabilities are impressive. The Tacoma has been reliable, but it
scores too low in our testing to be recommended.
Toyota Tundra
T he Tundra offers a standard two-door regular cab and two sizes
of crew cabs. You can choose between a very powerful 5.7-liter
V8 and a 4.6-liter V8. The six-speed automatic is very smooth and
responsive. Handling is secure, but the ride with the TRD package is
too stiff. The cabin is very roomy, but it’s a long reach to some con-
trols. Towing performance is extremely capable. A 2014 freshening
brought exterior and interior updates, including improved controls.
The damped rear tailgate is a nice touch. Reliability has been above
average, but it scores too low in our testing to be recommended.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
O
FUEL ECONOMY
•
ROAD TEST SCORE
Pickups
Highest Rated
SR5 V8
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested modei: 2007 SR5 crew cab
4WD, 5.7-liter V8, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
©
OWNER COST
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
•
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $20,765-$37,415
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: Base, PreRunner,
V6, TRD Pro
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.7-liter 4 (159 hp);
4.0-liter V6 (236 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 6-speed manual;
4-speed automatic; 5-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 208
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 128
Weight (lb.) 4,325
% weight front/rear . . 56/44
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,050
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 6,400
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 16/21
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Tacoma
(V6, 4WD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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Trans. Minor
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VERDICTS
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $29,020-$47,875
Body styles: regular cab;
extended cab; crew cab
Trim lines: SR, SR5, Limited,
Platinum, 1794 Edition
Drive wheels: Rear or part-
time 4WD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 4.6-liter V8 (310 hp);
5.7-liter V8 (381 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 229
Width (in.) 80
Height (in.) 76
Wheelbase (in.) 146
Weight (lb.) 5,740
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,395
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.). . 9,700
Fuel
Regular
EPA city/hwy, mpg 13/17
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Tundra
(Vs, 4WD)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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©oo©o©o©o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oo©©©©©©©©
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 215
T VEHICLE PROFILES
Toyota Venza
ased on the previous-generation Highlander, the Venza is a
combination of a traditional wagon and an SUV. Assets include
easy cabin access, a quiet interior, and a roomy rear seat. The rear
hatch and large cargo floor aid cargo flexibility. The strong 268-hp,
3.5-liter V6 engine gets 20 mpg overall. Handling is secure, but the
steering is short on feedback and the ride is stiff. All-wheel drive is
available. The styling impairs visibility. Starting in 2015, a rear-view
camera is standard on all trim lines. But unless you get the optional
navigation system, the camera’s image is relegated to a very small
dashboard screen.
Toyota Yarls
T he updated 201 5 Yaris is available as a two- or four-door hatch-
back. Toyota claims it has improved the ride and added more
sound insulation, but we found the changes to have minimal impact.
The Yaris is still a slow, loud, tinny box with a very awkward driv-
ing position. A 1 .5-liter, four-cylinder is the sole engine. A five-speed
manual is standard; an outdated four-speed automatic is optional.
The Yaris we previously tested returned 32 mpg overall, and ERA fuel
economy remains unchanged for 201 5. It comes with the Entune
system with a 6.1 -inch touchscreen, and a dealer-installed navigation
system is available. Reliability has been well above average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sacks P ^ G VG E
Highest Rated
V6 V6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2009 V6 4-door SUV
AWD, 3.5-liter V6, 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
ROAD TEST SCOR
Sa4ks P P G VG E
Highest Rated
LE 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2012 LE 4-door
hatchback, 1.5-liter 4-cyi., 4-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $28,915-$39,790
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: LE, XLE, Limited
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.7-liter 4 (181 hp);
3.5-liter V6 (268 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Venza (V6)
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major O O O O O O
Engine Minor O O O O O O
Engine Cooling © © O O O O
Trans. Major O O O O O O
Trans. Minor O O O O O O
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 63
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 4,125
% weight front/rear . . 57/43
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 825
Cargo volume, cu.ft 33.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 18/25
Drive System
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Fuel System
©©eeee
Electrical
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Body Integrity
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©©©©©o
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o©©©oo
Audio System
©©oo©o
USED CAR
VERDICTS
©©eeee
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
Base price: $14,845-$17,620
Body styles: 2-door hatchback;
4-door hatchback
Trim lines: L, LE, SE
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.5-liter 4 (106 hp)
Transmissions: 5-speed
manual; 4-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 154
Width (in.) 67
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 99
Weight (lb.) 2,385
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 845
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 30/36
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Toyota Yaris
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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oo©o*o**
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©©©©★e**
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e©ee*©**
Audio System
e©e©-*'e'*''*'
USED CAR
VERDICTS
e©©e*e**
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average e
216 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
V
Volkswagen Beetle
T he Beetle is roomier than the previous-generation car and drives
decently, but VW skipped on a few details. While the ride is com-
pliant, it’s a bit unsettled. Handling is responsive but not sporty, and
can get sloppy in demanding conditions. The five-cylinder engine
delivered enough thrust but sounded gruff and unrefined. We got a
less-than-stellar 26 mpg overall with the five-speed manual. A new
1 .8-liter turbo four-cylinder replaces the 2.5-liter engine. You can also
get an efficient turbodiesel. Wind noise is excessive, rear visibility
is limited, and the long clutch-pedal travel and wide center console
compromise the driving position. A convertible is also available.
Volkswagen CC
S tyle trumps function in the CC, bringing a snug interior, com-
promised visibility, and difficult cabin access. But the CC is
enjoyable to drive, with agile and responsive handling and a taut,
composed ride. The 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is
strong and returns 26 mpg overall with the six-speed automated
manual transmission. A stronger 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6 and AWD are
optional. The interior is very well-finished, with comfortable seats
up front and, in a pinch, rear seating for three. Some features, like
a sunroof and rear-view camera, are only available on higher-trim
models. Reliability has been well below average.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
NA
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
•
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $20,195-$31,625
Body styles: 2-door hatchback;
convertible
Trim lines: 1.8T, TDI, R
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbodiesel
(150 hp); 1.8-liter 4 turbo (170
hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (210 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual;
6-speed manual; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FiGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 168
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 100
Weight (lb.) 3,040
% weight front/rear . . 63/37
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 820
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular, diesel, or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/33
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen Beetle,
New Beetle (turbo)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
*
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Engine Minor
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Engine Cooling
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Base price: $31,795-$42,895
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: Sport, R-Line,
Executive, V6 Executive
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(200 hp); 3.6-liter V6 (280
hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual;
6-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 56
Wheelbase (in.) 107
Weight (lb.) 3,420
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 925
Cargo volume, cu.ft 13.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 2,000
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg 22/31
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen CC
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ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 217
V VEHICLE PROFILES
Volkswagen Eos
Q Recommended
T his four-seater convertible rides comfortably and handles with
agility. Its folding metal hardtop includes a clever sunroof set-
ting. Open-top motoring is relatively free of wind buffeting. Interior
fit and finish are impressive, and the seats are comfortable. Wind
noise is pronounced with the top up. Power comes from a vigorous
2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder, which delivers a good 25 mpg overall.
The automated manual transmission is smooth and shifts quickly.
This year is the final run for the Eos. Reliability has been average.
Convertibles P F G VG E
Tested model: 2008 Lux convert-
ible, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
sequential
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $35,795-$42,335
Body styles: convertible
Trim lines: Komfort, Final
Edition, Executive
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 2 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(200 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 174
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,580
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 885
Cargo volume, cu.ft 11.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,500
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen Eos
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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Engine Minor
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T he redesigned GTI uses a 210-hp, 2.0-liter turbo, driving through
either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic
transmission. We got an impressive 29 mpg overall with our manual-
transmission test car. The GTI is fun to drive, with a taut ride that
won’t beat you up. Handling is agile and throttle response is immedi-
ate. Inside is a high-quality, quiet, and civilized interior with comfort-
able seats. That all adds up a sporty car that doesn’t wear on your
patience during a long drive. The infotainment system includes 3D
navigation, an easy-to-use touchscreen, and handy system shortcuts
through the steering-wheel controls.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $24,395-$30,695
Body styles: 2-door hatchback;
4-door hatchback
Trim lines: S, SE, Autobahn
Drive wheeis: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (210
hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (220 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 6-speed manual
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 166
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 102
Weight (lb.) 3,155
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,045
Cargo volume, cu.ft 24.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/34
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen GTI
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
218 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
V
Volkswagen Golf
T he redesigned Golf is slightly larger, yet lower and lighter than
the previous model. A new 1 .8-liter turbo four-cylinder is the
base engine. It’s a responsive engine that doesn’t need to be
revved much. In tests our Golf returned 28 mpg with the six-speed
automatic. A five-speed manual is also available. The Golf TDI gets
an all-new 150-hp, 2.0-liter diesel engine mated to a six-speed
manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic. We found the ride com-
fortable and handling responsive enjoyable. The cabin has a solid,
upscale feel that puts larger, more-costly cars to shame. The new
Infotainment system is comprehensive and easy to use.
Volkswagen Jetta
Q Recommended
A little bigger than most compact sedans, the Jetta is a roomy,
comfortable, and practical choice. The new 1 .8-liter turbo-
charged four-cylinder is smooth and flexible and returns an excel-
lent 30 mpg. But skip the anemic base 2.0-liter engine. The diesel
gets great mileage at 34 mpg overall. The Jetta Hybrid is a smooth
and capable full hybrid that gets 37 mpg overall. Its 1.4-liter turbo
engine and seven-speed automated manual work seamlessly. Revi-
sions to the steering and suspension give the Jetta improved agility
and a steady ride. Diesel versions are recommended, with average
reliability; but the 1 .8T has well below average reliability.
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
I Sedans P F G VG E
Highest Rated
TDI 4
Lowest Rated
0 100
I Tested model: 2014 TDI sedan,
I 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbodiesel, 6-speed
j sequential
|| REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
1
O
j OWNER COST
o
1 OWNER SATISFACTION
©
j ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
1 FUEL ECONOMY
o
Base price: $18,995-$29,095
Body styles: 2-door hatch-
back; 4-door hatchback
Trim lines: 1.8T, S, SE, SEL,
TDI S, TDI SE, TDI SEL, R
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbodiesel
(150 hp); 1.8-liter 4 turbo (170
hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo (292 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual;
6-speed manual; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 168
Width (in.) 71
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,090
% weight front/rear . . 60/40
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,005
Cargo volume, cu.ft 24.0
Towing capacity (lb.) NR
Fuel
Regular, diesel, or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/36
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen Golf,
Rabbit
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
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Engine Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
Base price: $16,215-$31,670
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: S, SE, Sport, SEL,
TDI, Hybrid SEL
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 (115 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbodiesel (150
hp); 1.4-liter 4 hybrid (170 hp);
1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 7-speed sequen-
tial; 5-speed manual; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 70
Height (in.) 57
Wheelbase (in.) 104
Weight (lb.) 3,225
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,070
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular, diesel, or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .31/45
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE Volkswagen Jetta
SPOTS
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
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Average O
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 219
V VEHICLE PROFILES
Volkswagen Passat
Q Recommended
T he midsized Passat sedan has a lot going for it, including ample
interior space, responsive handling, and a comfortable, quiet
ride. The primary powertrain is an energetic 1 .8-liter turbo four-cyl-
inder and a six-speed automatic. High-end versions use a powerful
3.6-liter V6. The 1 .8 averaged a very good 28 mpg overall and 39
on the highway. The diesel feels quick on takeoff and got 37 mpg
overall but acceleration is fairly slow. Front seats are accommodating
but very firm. Extra-spacious rear seats are a big plus, and the trunk
is huge, but fit and finish isn’t impressive. Reliability of the diesel ver-
sion has been average; the 1 .8T is well above average.
Volkswagen TIguan
BRecommended
T he TIguan is a solid and agile small SUV. Pluses include high-
end fit and finish and spacious rear seating. Handling is very
responsive and enjoyable, with sharp steering that contributes to
the TIguan staying secure and unflappable at its limits. With its
19-inch tires the SEL rides stiffly. The lower S and SE trimlines, with
17-inch tires, ride more comfortably and quietly. But they lack the
a power driver seat and automatic climate controls. The 2.0-liter,
turbo four-cylinder engine is smooth and purposeful and yielded 21
mpg overall in our tests. A well-equipped TIguan can easily climb
into the mid-$30,000 range. Reliability has been average.
ROAD TEST SCORE
Sedans
Highest Rated
SE4
Lowest Rated
Tested model: 2014 SE sedan,
1.8-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
o
OWNER COST
©
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
©
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs
P F G VG E
Highest Rated
SEL 4
Lowest Rated
BS
0 100
Tested model: 2012 SEL 4-door SUV
AWD, 2.0-liter 4-cyl. turbo, 6-speed
1 automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
O
Base price: $21,120-$35,660
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: S, Wolfsburg, SE,
1.8T Sport, TDI SE, SEL Pre-
mium, TDI SEL Premium
Drive wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbodie-
sel (150 hp); 1.8-liter 4 turbo
(170 hp): 3.6-liter V6 (280 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed
sequential; 5-speed manual;
6-speed manual; 6-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 192
Width (in.) 72
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 110
Weight (lb.) 3,320
% weight front/rear . . .59/41
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,115
Cargo volume, cu.ft 16.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . .1,000
Fuel
Regular, diesel, or premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . . 24/35
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen Passat
(4-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
■km&Qom
Trans. Major
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Much better than average
e
Base price: $25,995-$39,235
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: S, SE, SEL, R-Line
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen Tiguan
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(200 hp)
Engine Major
Engine Minor
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Transmissions: 6-speed
Engine Cooling
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manual; 6-speed automatic
Trans. Major
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••••©©
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FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.)
Width (in.)
..174
. . .71
Climate System
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Weight (lb.)
% weight front/rear . .
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.)
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . .
Towing capacity (lb.). .
Fuel
Premium
EPA city/hwy, mpg . . .
. 103
3,785
57/43
Paint/Trim
Body Integrity
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. 1,145
. 30.0
2,200
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20/26
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
220 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
V
Volkswagen Touareg
Q Recommended
T he Touareg is an agile, solid, well-finished SUV with comfort-
able seats and a plush interior. The V6 turbodiesel, mated to an
eight-speed automatic transmission, pulls effortlessly and returned
24 mpg overall in our tests. Its towing capacity is generous. The
low-speed ride is overly firm, but it’s steady on the highway. At its
handling limits, some body lean is evident. The cabin is quiet and
access is easy, but our nearly-$50,000 Touareg lacked some com-
mon luxury features, such as a sunroof. The hybrid is the top-of-
the-line version. It is quick and shuts off the engine when coasting,
even at highway speeds. Reliability has improved to average.
Volvo S60
T he redesigned S60 sedan offers agile handling, a taut and steady
ride, and a suite of advanced safety systems. A smooth and
refined turbo four-cylinder mated to an eight speed automatic are
new for 201 5, and bring respectable performance and fuel economy.
Front- and all-wheel drive are available. The interior is quiet, well
finished, and nicely laid out, and the front seats are very comfortable.
But the rear remains tight, and the trunk is small. Safety features
include City Safety, which can automatically brake the car to prevent
a collision, as well as an optional sensor system that intervenes to
avoid hitting a pedestrian. A V60 wagon version is available.
ROAD TEST SCORE
SUVs P F G VG E
Highest Rated
TDI V6
Lowest Rated Q]
0 100
Tested model: 2011 TDI 4-door
SUV AWD, 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel,
8-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
o
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
o
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
o
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
o
FUEL ECONOMY
©
Base price: $43,995-$64,170
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: V6, TDI, Hybrid
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 3.0-liter V6 turbod-
iesel (240 hp); 3.6-liter V6
(280 hp); 3.0-liter V6 hybrid
(380 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volkswagen Touareg
05 0 6 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
★★★★★★★CO*
******★©©*
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 76
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 114
Weight (lb.) 5,060
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,105
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 34.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . .7,700
Fuel
Diesel or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 20/29
Climate System ★★★★★★★©©★
Suspension •*■★★★★•*■★©©★
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Exhaust
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Body Integrity
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Base price: $33,750-$46,950
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: T5 Drive-E, T5, T6
Drive-E, T6 R-Design
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 2.5-liter 5 turbo
(250 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(302 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(325 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 58
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 3,610
% weight front/rear . . 62/38
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 1,025
Cargo volume, cu.ft 12.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 25/37
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volvo S60 (5-cyl.,
6-cyl.)
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©©©**
Tk^©©©
Engine Minor
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NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Better than average ©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 221
V VEHICLE PROFILES
Volvo S80
W hile the S80 has some high points, it doesn’t deliver the level of
performance or luxury expected in this class. Front-wheel-drive
versions get a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with an eight-speed
automatic transmission. A turbo six-cylinder with all-wheel drive is
available. Handling is sound and predictable, but the ride feels a
bit stiff. For a sedan of its size, rear seat room is cramped and rear
access is compromised. The interior is well finished, and the front
seats are comfortable. The optional blind-spot monitoring system
works well. A collision-warning system is available. Other recent
updates include exterior and interior styling changes.
Volvo XC60
B Recommended
A good choice in the upscale compact SUV class, the XC60 isn’t
as involving or sporty as the Audi Q5 or BMW X3. The ride is
a little stiff, but handling is responsive and secure at its limits. The
3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder performs well, but fuel economy
is mediocre at 17 mpg overall. Turbocharged four-cylinder engines
are new. Wind and road noise are well suppressed. The interior
is nicely finished with high-quality materials. The seats are well-
shaped and comfortable, but rear leg room is a bit tight. Lots of
cutting-edge safety gear is available but opting for it can get fairly
expensive.
REPORT CARD
RREDiCTED RELIABILITY
NA
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
REPORT CARD
RREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
O
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
•
Base price: $41,450-$49,050
Body styles: sedan
Trim lines: T5 Drive-E, T6
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 73
Height (in.) 59
Wheelbase (in.) 112
Weight (lb.) 3,850
% weight front/rear . . .61/39
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 905
Cargo volume, cu.ft 15.0
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular or premium
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . .19/28
1 RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volvo S80
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
©* o ©*©•*■** *
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
o * o o * o ★ * * *
Trans. Minor
©★©©★©★★★•A-
Drive System
©★□©★©★★★•A-
Fuel System
0*0©*©****
Electrical
©★©o*©****
Climate System
Suspension
o*©o*o****
Brakes
©★©©★©★★★•A-
Exhaust
Raint/Trim
o*o©*o****
Body Integrity
Body Hardware
©★©©★©★★★^
Rower equip.
o*©o*o****
Audio System
©* o ©*©•*■•*■•*■ •*■
USED CAR
VERDICTS
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
NA
Base price: $36,200-$50,750
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: T5 Drive-E, T6
Drive-E, T5, T6, T6 R-Design
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp); 2.5-liter 5 turbo
(250 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(300 hp); 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(302 hp); 3.0-liter 6 turbo
(325 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 182
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 67
Wheelbase (in.) 109
Weight (lb.) 4,275
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 950
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 32.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg 17/24
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volvo XC60
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
o©©©©
Engine Minor
o©©©©
Engine Cooling
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
©©©©©
Drive System
©©©©©
Fuel System
©©©©©
Electrical
©©o©©
Climate System
©©©©©
Suspension
oo©©©
Brakes
©o©©©
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©©©©
Body Integrity
©oooo
Body Hardware
©©©©o
Power equip.
©©©o©
Audio System
©o©o©
USED CAR
VERDICTS
ooooo
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
222 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
V
Volvo XC70
Q Recommended
T he XC70 is a wagon version of the S80 with a raised ride
height. It features many of Volvo’s safety features, including
collision-avoidance systems and a blind-spot warning system that
works well. The powertrain we tested was a pleasant 3.2-liter six-
cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic, with available AWD, but
it returns just 18 mpg overall. That engine has been replaced by
a new turbocharged four-cylinder. A more powerful, turbocharged
six comes with the T6 trim. The ride is fairly stiff but handling is
secure. Inside, the cabin is quiet and nicely trimmed, and the seats
are comfortable. Reliability has been average.
Wagons/
hatchbacks
Highest Rated
P F G VG E
3.2 6
Lowest Rated
0 100
Tested model: 2008 3.2 wagon AWD,
3.2-liter 6-cyl., 6-speed automatic
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
O
OWNER COST
O
OWNER SATISFACTION
©
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
©
FUEL ECONOMY
Base price: $35,850-$46,900
Body styles: wagon
Trim lines: T5 Drive-E, 3.2, T6
Drive wheels: Front or AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(240 hp): 3.2-liter 6 (240 hp);
3.0-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed auto-
matic; 8-speed automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 191
Width (in.) 74
Height (in.) 63
Wheelbase (in.) Ill
Weight (lb.) 4,170
% weight front/rear . . 58/42
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) 900
Cargo volume, cu.ft. . . . 36.5
Towing capacity (lb.). . 3,500
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 18/25
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volvo XC70
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
ooeeeooee*
Engine Minor
©©©©o©o©o*
Engine Cooling
o«©ee©e©e*
Trans. Major
Trans. Minor
0©©000©©0*
Drive System
0©©©0©000*
Fuel System
0©©©0©©©0*
Electrical
©©ooo©©oo*
Climate System
©©©o©oo©©*
Suspension
0©0©©©0©©*
Brakes
©oo©©oo©o*
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
©©0©0©©©0*
Body Integrity
o©©oooo©©*
Body Hardware
0©0©00©©0*
Power eguip.
ooo©©©ooo*
Audio System
o©©oooo©o*
USED CAR
VERDICTS
00©©00©©0*
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
Average O
Volvo XC90
T he redesigned XC90 SUV will fit seven people and Volvo claims
the seats will be the most comfortable in the industry with
ergonomic shapes and power adjustable memory settings. Two
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engines are available, similar to those
already offered in other Volvos. Both are mated to an eight-speed
automatic. Volvo will also offer a plug-in hybrid version with 400
horsepower and an electric range of about 25 miles. The new XC90
will have a large tablet-like touch-screen control system without
any conventional buttons. It goes on sale in early 2015.
REPORT CARD
PREDICTED RELIABILITY
New
OWNER COST
•
OWNER SATISFACTION
New
ACCIDENT AVOIDANCE
NA
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
Base price: $48,900-$65,900
Body styles: 4-door SUV
Trim lines: T6, Plug-in Hybrid,
First Edition, R-Design
Drive wheels: AWD
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear, 2
third
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo
(316 hp); 2.0-liter 4 electric
(400 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed
automatic
FACTS & FIGURES
Exterior dimensions
Length (in.) 189
Width (in.) 75
Height (in.) 70
Wheelbase (in.) 113
Weight (lb.) 4,830
% weight front/rear . . 53/47
Cargo measurement
Max. load (lb.) NA
Cargo volume, cu.ft NA
Towing capacity (lb.) NA
Fuel
Regular
ERA city/hwy, mpg . . . 22/30
RELIABILITY HISTORY
TROUBLE
SPOTS
Volvo XC90
05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14
Engine Major
o#oo*oo***
Engine Minor
□ ©©©★©©★★•ilr
Engine Cooling
©©©©★O©***
Trans. Major
©oo©*©©***
Trans. Minor
©©o©-*-©©-*-*-*-
Drive System
• OQQ-kOOic-kic
Fuel System
oo©©*©©***
Electrical
©©©o*o©***
Climate System
©ooo*oo***
Suspension
o©o©*©©***
Brakes
©©©©*oo***
Exhaust
©©©©★©©★★★
Paint/Trim
0©©©*©0***
Body Integrity
©©o©*©©***
Body Hardware
©©o©*©©***
Power eguip.
o©oo*©©***
Audio System
©©©©•*■©©•*■*•*■
USED CAR
VERDICTS
oooo-*-©©***
NEW CAR
PREDICTION
New
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 223
RATINGS & REFERENCE
Road-test highlights
Consumer Reports conducts more than 50 tests and evaluations
on every vehicle we rate.
The charts on the following pages list results from Consumer
Reports testing, which allow you to easily compare models. Below
is an explanation of the test criteria that appear in the charts.
>Make & model specifies the model and trim version of the vehicle
Consumer Reports tested. We often test multiple versions of the same
model, and each can yield different results depending on trim and
eguipment level, body style, and engine type.
>Trans indicates the transmission type and number of speeds.
(Auto is automatic, CVT is continuously variable transmission, man
is manual, seg is seguential, and 1-spd. dir. is 1-speed direct drive.)
> HP is the horsepower of the engine tested.
> Engine notes the size and configuration tested.
>CR's fuel economy includes the tested overall mpg based on
a realistic mix of highway and city driving. The mpg for city and
highway driving are listed separately.
> Acceleration is based on several tests. The O-to-30 and O-to-60
mph tests are conducted from a standstill with the engine idling.
The 1/4-mile test is done from a standing start, and the figures
indicate the number of seconds needed to reach the guarter-mile
mark and at what speed.
> Braking is the distance in feet a vehicle took to stop from 60 mph
on dry and wet pavement without any of the wheels locking up.
> Performance includes and emergency-handling tests. AM speed
is the speed at which the vehicle was able to successfully negotiate
our avoidance maneuver test course. The faster the speed, the
better. Turning circle is the bumper clearance needed, in feet, for
a U-turn to be completed.
For more information, visit ConsumerReports.org to continue
your research. Subscribers have access to all of our test results,
detailed reliability Ratings, and our expert reviews.
1 Make & model
Trans.
HP
Engine
CR’s Fuel economy (MPG)
Acceleration
Braking
Performance I
Overall
•§
Highway
0-30 mph
(sec.)
0-60 mph
(sec.)
1/4 mile
(sec. @ mph)
from 60 mph
dry (ft.)
from 60 mph
wet (ft.)
AM speed
(mph)
Turning circle
(ft.)
AcuralLXZ.OL
auto 5
150
2.0-liter 4
28
19
40
3.5
9.4
17.4 @ 83
136
146
53.5
39
Acura MDX Tech
auto 6
290
3.5-liter V6
20
13
29
3
7.2
15.6 @ 93
136
145
52.0
40
Acura RDX
auto 6
273
3.5-liter V6
22
14
31
2.9
6.6
15.2 © 95
132
144
51.0
40
Acura RLX Tech
auto 6
310
3.5-liter V6
23
15
36
2.7
6.5
15.0 @ 97
128
138
51.5
40
Acura TLX 2.4 L
seq 8
206
2.4-liter 4
27
18
41
3.0
7.4
15.7 @ 93
129
138
54.5
41
Audi A3 Premium
seq 6
170
1.8-liter 4 turbo
27
18
40
3.2
8.3
16.4 © 88
124
127
53.0
37
AudiA4 Premium
auto 8
211
2.0-liter 4 turbo
25
17
35
2.7
7.2
15.6 (i 92
140
148
53.5
39
Audi A5 convertible
Premium Plus
auto 6
211
2.0-liter 4 turbo
22
15
31
2.9
8
16.2 @ 89
134
145
53.0
39
AudiA6 Premium Plus
auto 8
310
3.0-liter V6
supercharged
22
15
34
2.1
5.7
14.2 d 101
132
138
52.5
41
Audi A7 3.0 TDI
auto 8
240
3!o-literV6
turbodiesel
28
19
41
2.4
6.6
15.2 @ 93
129
132
51.0
41
AudiASL
auto 8
372
4.2-liter V8
21
14
30
2.2
5.5
14.0 d 105
126
137
52.0
43
Audi Allroad Premium
auto 8
211
2.0-liter 4 turbo
22
15
33
3.2
8.1
16.3 d 90
131
136
53.0
39
AudiQS Premium Plus
auto 8
211
2.0-liter 4 turbo
21
14
29
3
7.9
16.2 d 88
130
138
52.0
39
AudiTT Premium Plus
seq 6
211
2.0-liter 4 turbo
25
18
33
2.5
6.7
15.2 d 95
120
127
54.5
36
BMWM235i
man 6
320
3.0-liter 6 turbo
25
19
31
2.1
5.2
13.8 d 105
115
128
58.5
37
BMW328dxDrive
auto 8
180
2.0-liter 4
turbodiesel
35
24
49
3.5
8.5
16.8 d 88
132
139
54.0
38
BMW 3281
auto 8
240
2.0-liter 4 turbo
28
19
39
2.6
6.3
14.9 d 97
132
141
54.5
38
BMW 5351
auto 8
300
3.0-liter 6 turbo
23
15
34
2.5
6.1
14.5 d 101
137
148
51.5
40
BMW750Li
auto 6
400
4.4-liter V8 turbo
18
12
25
2.3
5.7
14.1 d 105
126
138
52.0
42
BMWXlxDrive28i
auto 8
240
2.0-liter 4 turbo
23
16
32
2.7
6.8
15.3 d 95
133
144
52.5
40
BMWX3xDrive28i
auto 8
240
2.0-liter 4 turbo
23
16
30
2.9
7.3
15.8 d 91
130
138
53.0
40
BMWX5xDrive35i
auto 8
300
3.0-liter 6 turbo
21
14
28
3.1
7.4
15.7 d 94
137
142
52.0
43
BMWZ4sDrive28i
man 6
240
2.0-liter 4 turbo
28
19
38
2.4
6.1
14.7 d 99
122
130
54.5
36
Buick Enclave CXL
auto 6
288
3.6-liter V6
15
10
24
3
7.9
16.2 d 87
142
153
50.0
43
Buick Encore Leather
auto 6
138
1.4-liter 4 turbo
23
16
32
3.8
11
18.3 d 77
127
134
55.0
38
Buick Lacrosse CXS
auto 6
280
3.6-liter V6
20
13
30
2.9
7.2
15.7 d 92
137
149
52.5
40
Buick Lacrosse Leather
auto 6
182
2.4-liter 4
26
18
39
3.4
9.2
17.2 d 83
130
145
52.0
39
Buick Regal Premium 1
auto 6
259
2.0-liter 4 turbo
24
15
35
2.9
7.4
15.9 d 92
125
134
53.5
39
Buick Verano Leather
auto 6
180
2.4-liter 4
24
16
33
3
8.5
16.5 d 87
129
141
54.5
40
Cadillac ATS Luxury
auto 6
272
2.0-liter 4 turbo
23
15
33
2.5
6.5
14.9 d 97
125
133
57.5
37
Cadillac CTS (AWD) Luxury
auto 6
321
3.6-liter V6
21
14
29
2.7
6.8
15.2 d 97
127
145
54.5
38
Cadillac SRX Luxury
auto 6
308
3.6-liter V6
18
12
26
2.7
7.1
15.7 d 91
135
147
52.5
41
Cadillac XTS Premium
auto 6
304
3.6-liter V6
22
14
34
3
7.2
15.7 d 94
128
134
53.0
40
Chevrolet Camaro 2LT
man 6
304
3.6-liter V6
21
14
31
2.6
6.6
15.2 d 96
133
144
53.0
39
Chevrolet Camaro
convertible 2SS
auto 6
400
6.2-liter V8
17
11
25
2.3
5.6
14.1 d 103
117
126
54.0
41
Chevrolet Camaro coupe 2SS
man 6
426
6.2-liter V8
18
12
26
2.3
5.1
13.6 d 108
129
137
55.5
40
Chevrolet Corvette 3LT
man?
460
6.2-liter V8
20
14
28
2
4.3
12.6 d 116
107
121
57.5
38
Chevrolet Cruze ILT
auto 6
138
1.4-liter 4 turbo
26
17
36
3.7
9.8
17.6 d 82
139
143
52.0
38
Chevrolet Cruze Eco
auto 6
138
1.4-liter 4 turbo
27
17
40
3.5
10
17.7 d 80
131
143
52.5
38
Chevrolet Cruze LS
auto 6
138
1.8-liter 4
26
17
36
3.7
10.5
18.0 d 80
139
140
54.0
38
Chevrolet Cruze Turbo Diesel
auto 6
151
2.0-liter 4
turbodiesel
33
22
49
3.7
9.7
17.6 d 83
134
143
53.5
38
Chevrolet Equinox ILT
auto 6
182
2.4-liter 4
21
14
30
3.8
10.7
18.0 d 80
138
143
50.0
42
Chevrolet Equinox LTZ
auto 6
292
3.6-liter V6
18
12
25
2.5
7.1
15.4 d 93
138
148
50.5
42
Chevrolet lmpala2LTZ
auto 6
305
3.6-liter V6
22
14
34
2.9
6.9
15.5 d 95
130
136
54.0
40
Chevrolet Malibu ILT
auto 6
197
2.5-liter 4
26
17
38
3.2
8.1
16.4 d 88
135
147
52.0
38
Chevrolet Malibu 2LTZ
auto 6
259
2.0-liter 4 turbo
24
16
35
2.9
7
15.6 d 94
128
136
53.5
39
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT
auto 6
355
5.3-liter V8
16
11
23
2.8
7.5
15.9 d 90
138
164
45.5
49
Chevrolet Sonic hatchback LTZ
man 6
138
1.4-liter 4 turbo
30
21
39
3
8.9
16.9 d 84
130
140
55.0
38
Chevrolet Sonic sedan LT
auto 6
138
1.8-liter 4
28
19
38
3.2
9.3
17.1 d 83
128
139
54.0
36
Chevrolet Spark ILT
CVT
84
1.2-liter 4
31
22
39
4.4
12.8
19.4 d 73
128
138
57.5
34
Chevrolet SS
auto 6
415
6.2-liter V8
17
12
23
2.2
5.1
13.5 d 110
118
124
56.0
39
Chevrolet Suburban LTZ
auto 6
355
5.3-liter V8
16
10
23
2.9
7.9
16.2 d 89
139
148
47.0
45
Chevrolet Tahoe LT
auto 6
355
5.3-liter V8
16
10
23
2.8
7.7
15.9 d 90
136
140
45.0
41
Chevrolet Traverse LT
auto 6
288
3.6-liter V6
16
11
23
3
7.9
16.2 d 87
141
161
50.0
42
Chevrolet Volt
CVT
150
1.4-liter 4 +
electric
99 */ 32 *^
. 75 */ 23 *^
' 118V41**
3.4
9.4
17.3 d 81
136
144
53.0
39
Chrysler 200 C
auto 9
295
3.6-liter V6
25
15
42
3.1
6.9
15.4 d 97
138
148
51.5
41
Chrysler 200 Limited
auto 9
184
2.4-liter 4
30
19
44
3.9
9.8
17.6 d 83
130
135
53.5
41
Chrysler 300 C
auto 5
363
5.7-liter V8
18
12
29
2.6
6.2
14.7 d 99
134
143
50.0
39
Chrysler 300 Limited
auto 8
292
3.6-liter V6
22
15
32
3.2
7.4
15.8 d 95
137
142
50.0
40
*MPG equivalent **MPGongasonly
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 225
ROAD TESTS HIGHLIGHTS
Make & model
Trans.
HP
Engine
CR’s Fuel economy (MPG)
Acceleration
Braking
Performance
Overall
LJ
Highway
0-30 mph
(sec.)
O-SO mph
(sec.)
1/4 mile
(sec. @ mph)
from SO mph
dry (ft.)
from SO mph
wet (ft.)
AM speed
(mph)
Turning circle
(ft.)
Chrysler Town & Country
Touring-L
auto 6
283
3.S-literVS
17
11
27
3.3
8.1
IS.S @ 8S
141
1S3
49.0
42
Dodge Challenger R/T
man 6
37S
S.7-literV8
19
13
28
2.S
S.S
14.9 d 97
130
144
S2.0
39
Dodge Charger SXT Plus
auto 8
292
3.S-literVS
22
IS
32
3.2
7.4
1S.8 d 9S
134
14S
S2.0
40
Dodge Dart SXT
auto 6
184
2.4-liter 4
27
18
37
3.4
9.3
17.2 d 84
127
134
S4.S
38
Dodge Durango Limited
auto 8
290
3.S-literVS
18
12
2S
3.1
8.3
1S.4 d 87
134
ISO
48.0
41
Dodge Journey Lux
auto 6
283
3.S-literVS
IS
11
2S
3.2
8.1
1S.4 d 8S
139
142
SO.O
41
Fiat 500 Abarth
mans
ISO
1.4-liter 4 turbo
28
21
34
2.S
8
IS.l d 8S
12S
12S
SS.S
39
Fiat 500 Sport
mans
101
1.4-liter 4
33
24
42
3.S
11.3
18.3 d7S
134
142
SS.O
34
Fiat 500c Pop
mans
101
1.4-liter 4
34
2S
42
3.4
11
18.1 d7S
129
137
S3.0
34
Fiat 500L Easy
seq 6
ISO
1.4-liter 4 turbo
27
18
37
3.9
9.S
17.4 d 84
132
138
S1.S
37
Ford C-MAX Energi
CVT
19S
2.0-liter 4 +
electric
94*/37*.
CO
■ 98*/38**
3.3
8.1
1S.4 d 89
13S
14S
SO.S
41
Ford C-MAX Hybrid SE
Ford Edge SEL
CVT
188
2.0-liter 4 hybrid
37
3S
38
3.4
8.4
IS.S d 89
138
ISO
S3.0
41
auto 6
28S
3.S-literVS
18
12
2S
3.4
8.1
IS.S d 87
134
142
49.S
41
Ford Edge SEL
auto 6
247
2.0-liter 4 turbo
21
14
29
3.2
8.9
1S.9 d 84
132
ISS
SO.O
41
Ford Escape SE
auto 6
173
l.S-liter4turbo
22
IS
31
3.4
9.9
17.S d 80
133
139
S2.S
40
Ford Escape Titanium
auto 6
231
2.0-liter 4 turbo
22
IS
29
2.9
8.2
1S.3 d 87
134
139
S2.S
40
Ford Explorer XLT
auto 6
290
3.S-literVS
18
12
2S
3.1
7.9
1S.2 d 89
13S
14S
49.S
40
Ford F-250 Lariat
auto 6
400
S.7-literV8
turbodiesel
IS
11
23
3.S
8.7
1S.8 d 87
1S7
173
41.S
S3
Ford Fiesta hatchback SES
mans
120
l.S-liter4
32
23
42
3.S
10.7
17.9 d 80
134
147
SS.O
3S
Ford Fiesta SE
mans
123
1.0-liter 3 turbo
3S
2S
4S
3.1
9
17.2 d 83
12S
133
SS.O
3S
Ford Fiesta sedan SE
seq 6
120
l.S-liter4
33
22
4S
4.3
10.9
18.4 d 79
142
1S9
S2.S
3S
Ford Fiesta ST
man 6
197
l.S-liter4turbo
29
21
3S
2.9
7.3
IS.S d 93
118
124
S7.0
37
Ford Flex SEL
auto 6
287
3.S-literVS
18
12
2S
3.2
8.S
IS.S d 88
141
14S
48.0
43
Ford Focus Electric
1-spd.dir.
143
Electric
107*
108*
107*
4.3
10.2
18.0 d 82
140
1S4
S2.S
41
Ford Focus hatchback SEL
seq 6
ISO
2.0-liter 4
28
19
39
3.S
9.3
17.2 d 8S
137
14S
S2.S
39
Ford Focus SE SEE
seq 6
1S9
2.0-liter 4
31
21
43
3.2
8.S
1S.S d 88
129
141
S2.0
39
Ford Focus sedan SE
seq 6
ISO
2.0-liter 4
28
18
43
3.4
9.2
17.1 d 84
141
ISl
S2.S
39
Ford Focus ST
mans
2S2
2.0-liter 4 turbo
2S
19
32
2.8
S.S
IS.l d 9S
122
13S
S3.0
42
Ford Fusion SE
auto 6
181
l.S-liter4turbo
24
IS
34
3.2
9.2
17.0 d 84
12S
137
S2.S
38
Ford Fusion SE Hybrid
CVT
188
2.0-liter 4 hybrid
39
3S
41
3.4
8.3
IS.S d 90
140
1S3
S2.0
40
Ford Fusion Titanium
auto 6
231
2.0-liter 4 turbo
22
14
33
3
7.4
1S.8 d 92
130
141
S3.S
37
Ford Taurus Limited
auto 6
288
3.S-literVS
21
14
31
2.9
7.2
IS.S d 9S
13S
142
SO.O
42
Ford Transit Connect XLT
auto 6
1S9
2.S-liter4
21
IS
27
3.9
10.9
18.2 d 78
132
141
S3.0
41
Honda Accord EX-L
auto 6
278
3.S-literVS
2S
IS
39
2.7
S.3
14.7 d 99
139
ISO
S2.S
40
Honda Accord Hybrid
1-spd. dir.
19S
2.0-liter 4 hybrid
40
32
47
3.2
7.7
IS.l d 88
137
142
S2.S
40
Honda Accord LX
CVT
18S
2.4-liter 4
30
21
40
3.3
7.7
IS.O d 92
13S
148
S3.0
41
Honda Civic EX
CVT
143
1.8-liter 4
30
21
40
4
9.S
17.S d 8S
128
13S
S3.S
37
Honda Civic Hybrid
CVT
no
l.S-liter 4 hybrid
40
28
SO
4.2
10.9
18.4 d 77
14S
147
S2.0
39
Honda Civic Si
mans
201
2.4- liter 4
29
20
39
2.8
7.1
1S.S d 94
139
149
S4.S
39
Honda Crosstour EX-L
auto 6
278
3.S-literVS
21
14
32
2.9
7
1S.4 d 94
143
149
49.S
43
Honda CR-V EX
autos
18S
2.4-liter 4
23
IS
32
3.4
9.2
17.0 d 84
128
13S
SO.O
39
Honda CR-Z EX
mans
122
l.S-liter 4 hybrid
3S
2S
4S
3.2
9.3
17.2 d 82
139
14S
S2.0
3S
Honda Fit EX
CVT
130
l.S-liter 4
33
24
42
4
10
17.7 d 84
132
13S
SS.O
3S
Honda Odyssey EX-L
auto 6
248
3.S-literVS
21
13
31
3.3
8.4
IS.S d 88
13S
143
47.S
40
Honda Pilot EX-L
autos
2S0
3.S-literVS
18
12
2S
3.7
9
17.2 d 84
144
ISO
4S.S
41
Hyundai Accent hatchback SE
mans
138
l.S-liter 4
32
24
40
3
8.S
1S.8 d 84
13S
147
SS.O
37
Hyundai Accent sedan GLS
autos
138
l.S-liter 4
31
20
4S
3.7
10.3
17.8 d 82
134
14S
Sl.S
37
Hyundai Azera 3.3L
autos
293
3.3-liter VS
23
IS
34
3
7.2
1S.7 d 94
132
139
Sl.S
39
Hyundai Elantra GLS
autos
148
1.8-liter 4
29
20
39
3.4
9.S
17.2 d 83
13S
139
SS.S
3S
Hyundai Elantra GT
autos
148
1.8-liter 4
27
18
37
3.S
9.8
17.S d 82
134
14S
Sl.S
37
Hyundai Equus Signature
autos
38S
4.S-literV8
19
12
29
2.S
S.S
14.9 d 99
140
ISO
49.0
41
Hyundai Genesis 3.8 (AWD)
auto 8
311
3.8-liter VS
20
13
30
2.9
7.2
IS.S d 9S
129
137
S3.0
38
Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8
Grand Touring
mans
30S
3.8-liter VS
23
IS
31
2.S
S.2
14.S d 100
138
149
S4.0
40
Hyundai 5anta Fe GLS
autos
290
3.3-liter VS
20
14
29
3
7.S
IS.l d 90
133
140
Sl.O
39
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Base
autos
190
2.4- liter 4
23
17
30
3.2
9.7
17.3 d 82
132
142
S0.S
38
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
autos
20S
2.4-liter 4 hybrid
33
24
40
3.4
9.1
17.0 d 8S
148
1S8
SO.O
38
Hyundai Sonata SE
autos
18S
2.4-liter 4
28
18
40
3.7
9.2
17.2 d 8S
139
ISS
SO.S
37
Hyundai Tucson GLS
autos
170
2.4-liter 4
22
IS
28
3.S
9.7
17.S d 81
129
133
S3.0
37
Hyundai Veloster
mans
138
l.S-liter 4
31
24
37
3.2
9.2
17.1 d 83
131
142
S4.0
3S
Infiniti Q50 (AWD) Premium
auto 7
328
3.7- liter VS
21
14
30
2.3
S.S
14.1 d 103
12S
13S
S4.0
42
Infiniti Q60 convertible Base
auto 7
32S
3.7-liter VS
20
13
29
2.4
S
14.4 d 100
13S
14S
S3.S
39
Infiniti Q70 Hybrid
auto 7
3S0
3.S-literVS hybrid
2S
17
33
2.4
S.S
14.2 d 101
131
144
S2.0
39
226 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Make & model Trans. HP Engine I CR’s Fuel economy (MPG) Acceleration I Braking Performance
Infiniti Q70
auto 7
330
3.7-liter V6
21
14
29
2.3
5.S
14.2 @ 101
12S
143
54.5
40
Infiniti QX60
CVT
265
3.5-liter V6
19
13
26
3.5
S.3
16.5 @ S9
137
143
47.0
41
Infiniti QX70
auto 7
303
3.5-liter V6
IS
13
24
2.7
6.S
15.2 © 95
133
147
51.0
40
Infiniti QX80
auto 7
400
5.6-liter VS
15
11
21
2.7
6.9
15.4 @ 94
139
155
4S.0
44
Jaguar XF 3.0 (AWD)
autos
340
3.0-liter V6
supercharged
21
14
31
2.4
5.7
14.3 @ 102
130
139
52.5
40
Jaguar XJL
auto 6
3S5
5.0-liter VS
19
13
27
2.3
5.5
14.0 d 106
13S
14S
52.5
42
Jeep Cherokee Latitude
auto 9
1S4
2.4-liter 4
22
15
31
3.9
10.9
1S.2 @ 79
13S
153
51.5
40
Jeep Cherokee Limited
auto 9
271
3.2-liter V6
21
14
29
3.1
7.7
16.1 @ 90
133
144
51.5
40
Jeep Compass Latitude
CVT
172
2.4-liter 4
22
15
29
4.1
10.3
17.9 d S2
145
170
4S.0
3S
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
autos
290
3.6-liter V6
IS
12
24
3
S
16.2 d 8S
134
146
50.0
40
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
autos
240
3.0-liter V6
turbodiesel
24
17
32
3.1
S.6
16.7 d 85
132
145
50.5
39
Jeep Patriot Latitude
CVT
172
2.4-liter 4
21
15
2S
4
10.3
17.9 d 80
141
15S
51.5
37
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Sahara
auto 5
2S5
3.6-liter V6
17
12
22
3.5
S.9
16.S d 85
151
ISl
45.0
43
Kia Cadenza
auto 6
293
3.3-liter V6
22
14
33
3
7.2
15.7 d 93
132
134
51.5
3S
Kia Forte LX
auto 6
14S
l.S-liter4
2S
19
40
3.6
10.1
17.6 d 83
12S
137
52.5
3S
Kia Optima LX
auto 6
200
2.4-liter 4
25
IS
34
3.4
S.6
16.S d 87
143
144
56.0
3S
Kia Optima SX
auto 6
274
2.0-liter 4 turbo
24
16
36
3
6.6
15.1 d 9S
142
152
54.0
3S
Kia Rio hatchback EX
auto 6
13S
1.6-liter 4
29
21
37
3.6
9.9
17.5 d 81
136
146
55.0
37
Kia Rio sedan EX
auto 6
13S
1.6-liter 4
30
22
39
3.5
9.5
17.3 d 83
13S
14S
55.0
37
Kia Sorento EX
auto 6
290
3.3-liter V6
20
13
2S
3
7.6
16.1 d 90
135
145
51.5
3S
Kia Soul Plus
auto 6
164
2.0-liter 4
26
19
33
3.3
S.S
16.9 d 85
127
135
53.5
36
Kia Sportage LX
auto 6
176
2.4- liter 4
22
16
30
3.7
10.3
17.9 d 80
137
139
53.5
37
Kia Sportage SX
auto 6
260
2.0-liter 4 turbo
21
15
29
2.S
7.1
15.5 d 94
135
144
53.5
37
Land Rover Range Rover
Evoque Pure
auto 6
240
2.0-liter 4 turbo
21
14
29
2.9
7.2
15.7 d 92
132
145
50.0
3S
Land Rover Range Rover USE
autos
340
3.0-liter V6
supercharged
17
12
21
2.7
6.7
15.1 d 96
137
144
4S.5
41
Land Rover Range Rover
Sport USE
autos
340
3.0-liter V6
supercharged
IS
13
23
2.6
6.5
15.1 d 95
137
139
49.5
41
Lexus CT200h Premium
CVT
134
l.S-liter 4 hybrid
40
31
47
3.S
11
lS.3d7S
133
146
54.5
37
Lexus ES300h
CVT
200
2.5-liter 4 hybrid
36
2S
44
3.4
S.2
16.4 d 90
140
144
51.0
40
Lexus ES 350
auto 6
26S
3.5-liter V6
25
17
35
2.S
6.7
15.0 d 9S
139
147
51.5
40
Lexus GS 350
auto 6
306
3.5-liter V6
21
13
32
2.6
6.2
14.7 d 99
137
147
53.5
37
Lexus GX 460
auto 6
301
4.6-liter VS
17
12
24
2.7
7.5
16.0 d 89
136
143
4S.0
41
Lexus IS 250 (AWD)
auto 6
204
2.5-liter V6
21
14
29
3.2
S.7
16.7 d 86
13S
142
53.5
3S
Lexus LS460L
autos
3S6
4.6-liter VS
21
13
32
2.6
6.2
14.6 d 101
140
153
4S.5
40
Lexus RX 350
auto 6
275
3.5-liter V6
21
15
27
2.S
7.3
15.7 d 90
136
155
50.5
40
Lexus RX450h
CVT
295
3.5-liter V6 hybrid
26
22
31
3.2
7.7
15.9 d 93
135
142
54.0
40
Lincoln MKC Reserve
auto 6
2S5
2.3-liter 4 turbo
19
13
27
2.S
7.S
16.1 d 8S
125
133
54.0
39
Lincoln MKS Base
auto 6
304
3.7-liter V6
20
13
30
2.9
7.1
15.5 d 95
137
141
51.5
42
Lincoln MKX
auto 6
305
3.7-liter V6
IS
12
24
3
7.6
15.9 d 91
13S
156
49.5
41
Lincoln MKZ 2.0 EcoBoost
auto 6
231
2.0-liter 4 turbo
23
16
34
3
7.4
15.S d 92
124
133
53.0
40
Lincoln MKZ Hybrid
CVT
ISS
2.0-liter 4 hybrid
34
29
3S
3.S
9.2
17.1 d 87
129
139
53.0
40
Maserati Ghibli S Q4
autos
404
3.0-liter V6 turbo
19
12
27
2.5
5.4
14.0 d 107
115
125
53.5
40
Mazda CX-5 Touring
auto 6
155
2.0-liter 4
25
19
32
3.6
10
17.7 d 80
133
13S
53.5
3S
Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring
auto 6
273
3.7-liter V6
16
10
24
3
S.2
16.4 d 87
137
154
4S.5
40
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Grand Touring
man 6
167
2.0-liter 4
2S
20
35
2.4
7
15.4 d 91
122
130
5S.0
34
MazdaZ Sport
mans
100
l.S-liter 4
33
25
40
3.2
10.3
17.5 d 80
137
146
54.5
35
MazdaZ Touring
auto 4
100
l.S-liter 4
30
22
3S
3.9
11.1
lS.5d76
13S
144
55.0
35
MazdaSi Grand Touring
man 6
155
2.0-liter 4
32
24
41
3
S.2
16.6 d 86
133
143
54.0
3S
Mazda3i Touring
auto 6
155
2.0-liter 4
33
23
45
3.2
S.S
16.6 d 8S
133
140
54.5
3S
MazdaS Grand Touring
auto 5
157
2.5-liter 4
23
15
34
3.4
9.6
17.5 d 82
139
150
54.0
3S
MazdaG Sport
auto 6
1S4
2.5-liter 4
32
22
44
2.S
7.5
15.9 d 90
132
141
53.0
40
Mercedes-Benz C300
auto 7
241
2.0-liter 4 turbo
26
IS
35
2.7
6.S
15.2 d 96
136
144
55.5
3S
Mercedes-Benz CLA250
seq7
20S
2.0-liter 4 turbo
2S
19
39
2.7
6.6
15.2 d 95
124
137
54.0
37
Mercedes-Benz E250
BlueTec(AWD)
auto 7
195
2.1-liter 4
turbodiesel
30
21
41
3.2
S.3
16.5 d 87
131
143
54.0
3S
Mercedes-Benz E350
auto 7
302
3.5-liter V6
21
14
31
2.6
6.3
14.S d 9S
131
139
51.0
3S
Mercedes-Benz GL350
BlueTec
auto 7
240
3.0-liter V6
turbodiesel
20
14
2S
3.2
S.2
16.5 d 86
136
146
44.5
41
Mercedes-Benz GLK350
auto 7
302
3.5-liter V6
21
14
29
2.4
6.1
14.7 d 97
130
144
50.0
39
Mercedes-Benz ML350
auto 7
302
3.5-liter V6
IS
13
25
2.5
6.S
15.2 d 93
13S
156
4S.0
40
*MPG equivalent ** MPG on gas only
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 227
ROAD TESTS HIGHLIGHTS
1 Make & model
Trans.
HP
Engine
CR’s Fuel economy (MPG)
Acceleration
Braking
Performance
Overall
LJ
Highway
0-30 mph
(sec.)
0-60 mph
(sec.)
1/4 mile
(sec. @ mph)
from 60 mph
dry (ft.)
from 60 mph
wet (ft.)
AM speed
(mph)
Turning circle
(ft.)
Mercedes-Benz S550 (AWD)
auto 7
449
4.6-liter V8 turbo
18
12
28
2.3
5.1
13.5 @ 109
128
138
51.0
41
Mercedes-Benz SLK250
man 6
201
1.8-liter 4 turbo
26
19
34
2.3
7
15.2 @ 94
115
130
54.0
35
Mini Cooper Base
auto 6
134
1.5-liter 3 turbo
31
22
41
3.1
8.3
16.5 © 87
133
142
54.5
36
Mini Cooper Countryman S
auto 6
184
1.6-liter 4 turbo
26
19
33
3.2
8.3
16.5 @ 87
135
142
54.5
38
Mini Cooper S
man 6
189
2.0-liter 4 turbo
30
23
38
2.7
7.2
15.5 @ 94
130
139
56.0
36
Mitsubishi i-MiEV SE
1-spd. dir.
63
Electric
111*
104*
116*
4.9
14.7
20.2 (i 69
132
146
52.0
33
Mitsubishi Lancer ES
CVT
152
2.0-liter 4
25
17
34
3.9
9.8
17.6 (g 82
144
159
49.5
37
Mitsubishi Lancer
Evolution GSR
man 5
291
2.0-liter 4 turbo
21
16
25
2
5.8
14.5 @ 97
126
136
56.0
42
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart
seq 6
23?
2.0-liter 4 turbo
20
14
28
2.6
6.5
15.1 (i 93
133
143
54.5
37
Mitsubishi Mirage ES
CVT
74
1.2-liter 3
37
28
47
4.4
12.1
19.0 @75
138
145
52.5
32
Mitsubishi OutlanderSE
CVT
166
2.4-liter 4
23
17
30
4.3
10.8
18.3 @ 80
130
142
51.0
37
Mitsubishi Outlander
Sport SE
CVT
148
2.0-liter 4
23
18
28
3.8
9.6
17.6 @ 81
137
143
52.0
38
Nissan 370Z Touring
man 6
332
3.7-liter V6
23
17
28
2.1
5.3
13.9 @ 104
120
127
58.0
37
Nissan Altima2.5S
CVT
182
2.5-liter 4
31
21
44
3.3
8.2
16.4 @ 89
140
152
51.5
40
Nissan Altima3.5SL
CVT
270
3.5-liter V6
24
16
35
2.9
6.3
14.7 @ 101
133
141
52.0
41
Nissan Armada Platinum
auto 5
317
5.6-liter V8
13
9
18
2.6
7.2
15.7 @ 89
142
155
48.0
43
Nissan Cube 1.8 S
CVT
122
1.8-liter 4
28
21
33
3.7
10
17.7 @79
149
159
54.5
36
Nissan Frontier LE
auto 5
261
4.0-liter V6
15
11
21
3
7.9
16.3 @ 86
142
156
50.0
46
Nissan Juke SV
CVT
188
1.6-liter 4 turbo
24
18
31
3.2
7.9
16.3 @ 89
139
146
53.5
37
Nissan Leaf SL
1-spd. dir.
107
Electric
106*
86*
118*
3.4
10.3
17.8 @77
136
149
52.5
37
Nissan Maxima 3.5 SV
CVT
290
3.5-liter V6
22
16
29
2.9
6.2
14.7 @ 99
128
143
52.5
41
Nissan Pathfinder SL
CVT
260
3.5-liter V6
18
13
25
3.2
7.7
16.0 @ 91
137
145
47.0
40
Nissan Quest SL
CVT
260
3.5-liter V6
19
13
24
3.7
8.4
16.5 @ 90
143
157
51.5
39
Nissan Rogue SV
CVT
170
2.5-liter 4
24
17
30
3.7
9.5
17.3 @ 83
134
142
54.0
38
Nissan Sentra SV
CVT
130
1.8-liter 4
29
21
38
3.6
9.7
17.5 @ 81
129
138
55.5
37
Nissan Titan SV
auto 5
317
5.6-liter V8
14
10
19
2.9
7.2
15.7 @ 90
142
164
46.5
48
Nissan Versa Note SV
CVT
109
1.6-liter 4
31
22
40
4
10.9
18.2 @ 79
135
149
54.5
37
Nissan Versa SV
CVT
109
1.6-liter 4
32
23
40
4
10.6
18.1 @ 80
140
152
54.5
38
Nissan Xterra S
auto 5
261
4.0-liter V6
17
12
23
3
7.7
16.2 @ 87
135
158
50.0
40
Porsche 911 Carrera S
man?
400
3.8-liter 6
23
16
32
1.6
4.1
12.4 @ 117
108
119
59.5
37
Porsche Boxster Base
man 6
265
2.7-liter 6
23
17
30
2.4
6.1
14.5 @ 100
112
128
58.0
36
Porsche Cayenne Base
auto 8
300
3.6-liter V6
19
14
26
2.8
7.8
15.9 @ 90
134
147
50.0
39
Porsche Macan S
seq?
340
3.0-liter V6 turbo
19
13
26
2.7
6.4
14.7 @ 101
130
135
51.0
40
Porsche Panamera S
seq 7
400
4.8-liter V8
20
13
27
2.3
5.5
13.9 @ 105
116
133
56.0
39
Ram 1500 Big Horn
auto 8
395
5.7-liter V8
15
10
21
2.8
7.1
15.5 @ 94
141
154
47.0
49
Ram 1500 Big Horn
auto 8
240
3.0-liter V6
turbodiesel
20
14
27
3.4
9.5
17.4 @ 82
143
160
47.0
49
Scion FR-S
man 6
200
2.0-liter 4
30
23
37
2.6
7.2
15.5 @ 94
126
127
56.5
38
Scion iQ
CVT
94
1.3-liter 4
34
27
40
4
10.6
18.2 @ 78
139
144
53.5
28
Scion tC Base
auto 6
179
2.5-liter 4
27
18
36
3.2
8.6
16.7 @ 86
134
145
54.0
40
Scion xB
auto 4
158
2.4-liter 4
23
16
30
3.5
9.4
17.3 @ 81
137
148
53.0
37
Smart ForTwo Passion
seq 5
71
1.0-liter 3
39
30
44
5.1
14.6
20.1 @ 69
139
153
50.0
30
Subaru BRZ Premium
man 6
200
2.0-liter 4
30
23
37
2.6
7.2
15.6 @ 92
126
126
56.0
38
Subaru Forester 2.5i Premium
CVT
170
2.5-liter 4
26
18
35
3.5
8.7
16.8 @ 86
127
140
52.0
37
Subaru Impreza Premium
CVT
148
2.0-liter 4
27
20
35
3.7
9.2
17.2 @ 84
129
143
52.5
38
Subaru Impreza Sport
Premium
CVT
148
2.0-liter 4
26
19
33
3.7
9.4
17.3 @ 83
127
138
52.5
38
Subaru WRX Premium
man 6
268
2.0-liter 4 turbo
26
19
33
1.9
6
14.5 @ 97
120
128
59.0
40
Subaru Legacy 2.5i Premium
CVT
175
2.5-liter 4
26
17
39
4.1
10.2
17.8 @ 82
128
135
55.5
39
Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium
CVT
175
2.5-liter 4
24
16
34
4.2
10.5
18.1 @81
133
142
53.5
39
Subaru XV Crosstrek Hybrid
CVT
160
2.0-liter 4 hybrid
28
21
35
4.1
10.1
17.9 @ 82
131
135
53.0
37
Subaru XV Crosstrek
Premium
CVT
148
2.0-liter 4
26
19
34
3.8
9.7
17.5 @ 82
130
148
53.0
37
Tesla Models (85 kWh) Base
1-spd. dir.
362
Electric
84*
65*
102*
2.7
5.6
14.2 @ 103
128
137
53.5
41
Toyota 4RunnerSR5
auto 5
270
4.0-liter V6
18
12
24
3
7.7
16.1 @ 89
131
145
48.0
45
Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited
CVT
200
2.5-liter 4 hybrid
36
29
43
3.4
8.2
16.4 @ 90
138
147
52.5
40
Toyota Avalon Limited
auto 6
268
3.5-liter V6
24
16
34
2.9
7
15.2 @ 98
132
142
53.5
41
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
CVT
200
2.5-liter 4 hybrid
38
32
43
3.2
7.6
15.9 @ 92
133
150
51.0
40
Toyota Camry LE
auto 6
173
2.5-liter 4
27
19
41
3.2
8.4
16.5 @ 87
130
145
50.5
40
Toyota Camry XLE
auto 6
268
3.5-liter V6
26
17
37
2.7
6.4
14.8 @99
136
145
50.5
40
Toyota Corolla LE Plus
CVT
132
1.8-liter 4
32
23
43
4
9.9
17.7 @ 83
138
149
54.5
37
Toyota Highlander
Hybrid Limited
CVT
280
3.5-liter V6 hybrid
25
18
32
3.3
8.3
16.4 @ 90
138
146
49.0
40
Toyota Highlander XLE
auto 6
270
3.5-liter V6
20
14
27
2.9
7.5
15.9 @ 90
134
144
50.5
40
228 CONSUMER REPORTS o NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 ConsumerReports.org/cars
1 Make & model
Trans.
HP
1 Engine
CR’s Fuel economy (MPG)
Acceleration
Braking
Performance
Overall
>-
'O
Highway
0-30 mph
(sec.)
0-60 mph
(sec.)
1/4 mile
(sec. @ mph)
from 60 mph
dry (ft.)
from 60 mph
wet (ft.)
AM speed
(mph)
Turning circle
(ft.)
Toyota Land Cruiser
auto 6
3S1
5.7-liter VS
14
10
20
2.S
7.3
15.7 @ 92
140
15S
46.0
43
Toyota Prius C Two
CVT
99
1.5-liter 4 hybrid
43
37
4S
3.7
11.3
1S.4 @ 76
135
140
51.5
35
Toyota Prius IV
CVT
134
l.S-liter 4 hybrid
44
32
55
3.7
10.6
IS.O d 79
133
147
52.5
37
Toyota Prius Plug-in
Advanced
CVT
134
l.S-liter4 +
electric
67V43**
69*/34*^
' 66V52**
3.S
10.6
IS.l @ 79
139
144
50.0
37
Toyota Prius V Three
CVT
134
l.S-liter 4 hybrid
41
33
47
3.7
10.7
1S.1@7S
13S
151
55.0
39
Toyota RAV4XLE
auto 6
176
2.5-liter 4
24
IS
31
3.2
9
16.9 d S4
135
145
51.5
40
Toyota Sequoia Limited
auto 6
3S1
5.7-liter VS
15
10
21
2.7
7.1
15.6 d 92
146
163
47.0
42
Toyota Sienna XLE
auto 6
266
3.5-liter V6
20
14
27
3.5
S.S
16.S d 8S
134
156
49.0
40
Toyota Sienna XLE AWD
auto 6
266
3.5-liter V6
19
13
25
3.2
S.5
16.6 d 87
139
155
4S.5
40
Toyota Tacoma Base
autos
236
4.0-liter V6
17
13
21
2.S
7.9
16.3 d 86
139
14S
47.0
45
Toyota Tundra SR5
auto 6
3S1
5.7-liter VS
15
10
20
2.6
6.7
15.3 d 93
153
17S
44.5
49
Toyota Venza V6
auto 6
26S
3.5-liter V6
20
14
27
2.6
6.9
15.3 d 92
137
143
50.5
42
Toyota Yaris LE
auto 4
106
l.S-liter 4
32
23
41
3.9
lO.S
lS.3d76
137
149
54.0
34
Volkswagen CC Sport
seq 6
200
2.0-liter 4 turbo
26
IS
35
3.1
7.5
15.S d 93
133
141
52.0
3S
Volkswagen Eos Lux
seq 6
200
2.0-liter 4 turbo
25
IS
34
3.3
7.9
16.2 d 91
135
144
53.0
36
Volkswagen Golf SE
auto 6
170
l.S-liter 4 turbo
2S
19
3S
3.2
S.7
16.7 d 87
130
137
54.0
37
Volkswagen GTI Autobahn
man 6
210
2.0-liter 4 turbo
29
20
39
2.7
6.6
15.2 d 97
132
144
55.0
37
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Autobahn
man 6
200
2.0-liter 4 turbo
27
IS
39
3
7.2
15.6 d 95
132
144
54.5
37
Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid SE
seq 7
170
1.4-liter 4 hybrid
37
29
45
3.3
S.l
16.3 d 89
13S
150
52.5
37
Volkswagen Jetta SE
auto 6
170
l.S-liter 4 turbo
30
21
39
3.3
S.5
16.5 d 90
137
151
52.0
37
Volkswagen Jetta TDl
seq 6
140
2.0-liter 4
turbodiesel
34
25
45
3.6
9.5
17.3 d 83
130
147
52.5
37
Volkswagen Passat SE
auto 6
170
l.S-liter 4 turbo
2S
19
39
3.1
S.6
16.6 d 88
129
139
52.5
3S
Volkswagen Passat SEL
Premium
seq 6
2S0
3.6-liter V6
23
16
33
3
6.S
15.1 d 99
132
140
52.5
39
Volkswagen Passat TDl SE
seq 6
140
2.0-liter 4
turbodiesel
37
26
51
3.6
9.S
17.6 d 82
132
147
52.0
37
Volkswagen Tiguan SEL
auto 6
200
2.0-liter 4 turbo
21
16
27
3.2
S.5
16.7 d 86
140
156
53.5
39
Volkswagen Touareg TDl
autos
225
3.0-liter V6
turbodiesel
24
17
31
3.1
S.4
16.5 d 86
135
147
52.0
39
Volvo S60 T5 Drive-E
autos
240
2.0-liter 4 turbo
25
16
3S
3.1
7.9
16.2 d 90
12S
135
54.0
3S
Volvo XC60T6
auto 6
2S1
3.0-liter 6 turbo
17
11
24
2.9
7.4
15.S d 92
132
140
52.5
40
Volvo XC70 3.2
auto 6
235
3.2-liter 6
IS
12
25
3.1
S.S
16.5 d 88
135
140
50.5
40
*MPG equivalent **MPGonga5onlv
Scion tC
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 229
When assessing safety, it's important to
compare vehicles in the same class. Even
a small car with top crash-test ratings will
still take the brunt of the impact if hit
by a larger, heavier vehicle. Models perform
differently in crashes based on their size
and what they hit.
Since frontal crash-test results can
only be compared among vehicles of similar
weight, we group models by category.
Both the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have
recently strengthened their crash-test
reguirements.
Last year the IIHS added a new "small-
overlap” frontal-crash test to its series.
The test replicates a 40-mph crash in which
25 percent of the driver-side front of a car
hits a rigid barrier, such as a tree or pole.
That's in contrast to the institute's regular
offset frontal test, which replicates hitting
a vehicle. Currently, the new test has gener-
ated results for most groups of cars and
SUVs, which we list in the tables.
The test results for these vehicles have
varied widely, and much more so than in the
traditional frontal-crash tests, where nearly
all cars receive a Good rating, the highest
for those tests. So far, of the groups that
have been subjected to the test, most have
a few vehicles that achieved a score of Good.
Overall, newly-introduced vehicles that were
designed with the test in mind have done
better in the test than older models. Consumer
Reports won't recommend any vehicle that
scores Poor in the test.
The NHTSA tests now take into account
female passengers and include, in addition
to front- and side-crash tests, a new pole
test to measure side impact.
GUIDE TO THE CHART
The charts on these pages are a compre-
hensive collection of data to help you
compare the safety capabilities of different
models. We list available accident-avoidance
scores from our tests and crash-test results
from IIHS and NHTSA. Here is a guide to
each column:
>Accident avoidance. A composite derived
from our track tests, including braking and
emergency handling, and to a lesser extent
driving position, visibility, acceleration,
and seat comfort. If we tested multiple ver-
sions of the same model and the accident-
avoidance scores differed, we give the range
of scores attained.
>Crash tests. In addition to the new
narrow-offset test, the IIHS tests for offset
frontal, side-impact, rear-crash, and roof-
strength evaluations. IIHS scores are Good,
Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor. The IIHS
roof-strength test subjects a vehicle to
a force egual to 4 times its weight prior
to 5 inches of roof crush.
The NHTSA tests measure full-frontal
and side-impact performance, and are dis-
played as a combined overall and an overall
front and side rating. The NHTSA rollover
rating denotes the risk of rollover in a
single-vehicle crash. This score is largely
based on a static measure of a vehicle's
center of gravity. A dynamic test is used for
light trucks.
Make & model
1 CR tests
IIHS safety tests
NHTSA safety tests
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CARS: SUBCOMPACT
Chevrolet Spark
©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/■
Fiat 500
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/■
Ford Fiesta
0-0
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/©
©/■
Honda CR-Z
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
o/-
Honda Fit
©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
Hyundai Accent
©
Poor
Good
Accept.
Good
Good
©
©/©
©/■
Hyundai Veloster
o
Marg.
Good
Accept.
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/■
Kia Rio
©
Marg.
Good
Accept.
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/■
MazdaZ
©
Marg.
Good
Accept.
Accept.
Good
Mini Cooper
©
©/■
©/■
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
o
©
©/o
©/■
Mitsubishi Mirage
d
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
Nissan Versa
o
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
o/©
©/■
230 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
o e o o •
Better-^ ^ Worse
1 Make & model
CR tests
IIHS safety tests
NHTSA safety tests
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CARS: SUBCOMPACT continued
Nissan Versa Note
o
©
0/0
©/-
Scion iQ
o
Good
Good
Accept.
Good
©
©/o
©/-
Smart ForTwo
o
Good
Good
Accept.
Good
o/-
Toyota Prius C
o
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/©
©/-
Toyota Yaris
o
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/-
CARS: COMPACT
Acura ILX
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Audi A3
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
BMW i3 .........
Buick Verano
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Cadillac ELR .........
Chevrolet Cruze
0-©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Chevrolet Sonic
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Chevrolet Volt
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
o/-
Dodge Dart
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
FiatSOOL
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
Ford Focus
0-0
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Ford Focus Electric
o
o
0/0
oi-
Honda Civic
0-0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Hyundai Elantra
©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Kia Forte
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Kia Soul
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Lexus CTZOOh
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Mazda3
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive .........
Mitsubishi Lancer
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/©
©/©
Nissan Cube
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/-
Nissan Leaf
o
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/©
©/-
Nissan Sentra
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/-
Scion tC
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Scion xB
o
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/-
Subaru Impreza
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
■lO
Toyota Corolla
o
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Toyota Prius
0-©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/-
Volkswagen Beetle
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Volkswagen Golf
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Volkswagen Jetta
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
CARS: MIDSIZED
Chevrolet Malibu
©-0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Chevrolet SS
o
Chrysler 200
0-©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Ford C-MAX Hybrid
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/-
Ford C-MAX Energi
o
©
©/o
©/-
Ford Fusion
0-0
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
o/©
©/©
Honda Accord
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
o/-
Hyundai Sonata
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Kia Optima
0-©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
o/-
Mazda6
©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Nissan Altima
0-©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
Nissan Maxima
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Marg.
Accept.
©
0/0
o/-
Subaru Legacy
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Subaru Outback
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Toyota Camry
©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/-
Toyota Prius V
o
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/-
Volkswagen Passat
©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/-
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 231
SAFETY FEATURES
1 Make & model
CR tests
IIHS safety tests
NHTSA safety tests
’ OJ
.
—
^ C= CD
cu c
a> o
"O rd
o b
LJ
LJ
—
o o
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rd
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o
St
O
CD
OJ
O
O
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o fO P
^ b Q-
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o
moo
o
d: g
r\j
CARS: LUXURY MIDSIZED
AcuraTLX
o
Audi A4
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
0/0
Audi Allroad
o
o
0/0
■/©
BMW 3 Series
o
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
0/0
Buick Regal
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/©
Cadillac ATS
o
o
0/0
0/0
Infiniti Q50
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
0/0
Lexus ES
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/■
Lexus IS
o
Good
Good
o
©/o
0/0
Lincoln MKZ
o
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
o/©
©/©
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
©
Mercedes-Benz CLA
o
Volkswagen CC
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
Volvo S60
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
0/0
Volvo V60 .........
CARS: LARGE/LUXURY
Acura RLX
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Audi A6
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
0/0
Audi A7
o
Audi AS
o
BMW 5 Series
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
0/0
BMW 7 Series
©
Buick Lacrosse
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Cadillac CTS
o
Good
Good
o
0/0
0/0
Cadillac XTS
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Chevrolet Impala
o
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/■
Chrysler 300
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Dodge Charger
©
Ford Taurus
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Hyundai Azera
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Hyundai Equus
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Hyundai Genesis
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
0/0
Infiniti Q70
©-0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/©
Jaguar XF
©
Jaguar XJ
©
Kia Cadenza
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
KiaK900 .........
Lexus GS
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Lexus LS
o
Good
Good
Lincoln MKS
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Maserati Ghibli
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
©-0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
0/0
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
o
Porsche Panamera
o
Tesla Model S
o
o
0/0
Oh
Toyota Avalon
0-©
Good
Good
Good
Good
■/o
©/■
Volvo S80
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Volvo XC70
©
CARS: SPORTY/CONVERTIBLE
Alfa Romeo 4C .........
Audi AS
©
Audi TT
o
BMW 2 Series
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
232 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
o e o o •
Better ^ ^ Worse
1 Make & model
CR tests
IIHS safety tests
NHTSA safety tests
Accident
avoidance
Front smail-
overlap crash
Offset-frontal
crash
Side crash
Rear crash
Roof Crush
Combined
overail crash
protection
Overail crash
protection
front/side
Roliover
2 WD/ 4 WD
CARS: SPORTY/CONVERTIBLE continued
BMW 4 Series .........
BMW6Series .........
BMWZ4
0
Chevrolet Camaro Coupe
©-0
0 0/0
Oh
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
0
Oh
Chevrolet Corvette
0
Dodge Challenger
©
©/-
Dodge SRT Viper .........
Fiat 500 Convertible/Abarth
©-0
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ford Focus ST
0
Ford Mustang .........
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
©
Oh
Honda Civic Si
©
Infiniti Q60
©
Jaguar F-Type .........
Lexus RC .........
Mazda MX-5 Miata
0
Mercedes-Benz SL .........
Mercedes-Benz SLK 0 ....... .
Mini Cooper S
0
©/■
©/■
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution/Ralliart
0
Good
Good
Good
Accept.
Nissan Z 0 ....... .
Porsche 911
Porsche Boxster
Porsche Cayman
Scion FR-S
0
0
0
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
0 ©/o
Oh
Subaru BRZ
0
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
0 ©/o
Oh
Subaru Impreza WRX/STi
0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Volkswagen Eos
©
Good
Good
Good
Volkswagen GTl
0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Volkswagen Jetta GLI
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
0 ©/o
©/-
MINIVANS
Chrysler Town & Country
0
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
© ©/o
©/■
Dodge Grand Caravan
0
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
© ©/o
©/■
Ford Transit Connect
©
0 ©/o
©/■
Honda Odyssey
0
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
0 0/0
©/■
KiaSedona .........
MazdaS
©
Poor
Good
Marg.
Accept
Good
Nissan Quest
0
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Accept.
Toyota Sienna
0
Accept
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
SUVS: SMALL
BMW XI
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
Buick Encore
0
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
0/-
©/©
Chevrolet Trax
0/-
©/©
Ford Escape
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
■/o
©/©
Honda CR-V
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
Hyundai Tucson
0
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
© ©/o
©/©
Jeep Cherokee
0 -©
Good
Good
Good
Good
© ©/o
©/©
Jeep Compass
0
Good
Good
0/-
©/©
Jeep Patriot
0
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
0/-
0/0
Jeep Renegade .........
Kia Sportage
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
0 0/0
©/©
Lincoln MKC
0
© ©/o
©/©
Mazda CX-5
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
0 0/0
©/©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 233
SAFETY FEATURES
Make & model
CR tests
IIHS safety tests
NHTSA safety tests
Accident
avoidance
Front smail-
overlap crash
Offset-frontal
crash
Side crash
Rear crash
Roof Crush
Combined
overail crash
protection
Overail crash
protection
front/side
Roliover
2WD/4WD
SUVs: SMALL continued
Mercedes-Benz GLA .........
Mini Cooper Countryman
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Mini Paceman
Mitsubishi Outlander
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
©/O
©/©
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
O
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/©
©/©
Nissan Juke
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
0/0
©/©
Nissan Rogue
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
■lO
©/©
Porsche Macan
O
Subaru Forester
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
©/O
■/©
Subaru XV Crosstrek
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
©/O
■/©
Toyota RAV4
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/O
©/©
Volkswagen Tiguan
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
0/0
©/©
Volvo XC60
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
0/0
©/©
SUVS; MIDSIZED/LUXURY
Acura MDX
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
0/0
©/©
Acura RDX
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
0/0
©/©
Audi Q3
Audi Q5
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
■/©
Audi Q7
Good
Good
Good
■/©
BMWX3
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
BMWX4 .........
BMWX5
©
Good
Good
BMWX6 .........
Cadillac SRX
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/©
Chevrolet Equinox
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/©
Dodge Durango
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/o
Dodge Journey
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/■
©/©
Ford Edge
0-©
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
0/0
©/©
Ford Explorer
o
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Ford Flex
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
GMC Terrain
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/©
Honda Crosstour
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
Honda Pilot
o
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/o
©/©
Hyundai Santa Fe
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
InfinitiQXSO
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
Infiniti QX60
o
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/©
InfinitiQXTO
©
Good
Good
Jeep Grand Cherokee
©
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
o/©
Jeep Wrangler
o
Good
Marg.*
Marg.
■lO
Kia Sorento
©
Poor
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Land Rover LR2
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
o
Lexus NX
Lexus GX
o
Lexus RX
0-©
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/©
Lincoln MKT
Good
Good
Good
Good
©/©
Lincoln MKX
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
0/0
©/©
Mazda CX-9
o
Poor
Good
Good
Marg.
Marg.
Oh
©/©
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
o
Good
Good
Good
Good
o
0/0
©/©
Nissan Murano .........
Nissan Pathfinder
o
Good
Good
o
©/o
©/©
* Tested without optional side air bags.
234 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
o e o o •
Better ^ ^ Worse
Make & model
CR tests
IIHS safety tests
NHTSA safety tests
Accident
avoidance
Front smail-
overlap crash
Offset-frontal
crash
Side crash
Rear crash
Roof Crush
Combined
overail crash
protection
Overail crash
protection
front/side
Roliover
2WD/4WD
SUVS: MIDSIZED/LUXURY continued
Nissan Xterra
O
Good
Good
Marg.
Accept.
0/0
Porsche Cayenne
©
Tesla Model X
Toyota 4Runner
O
Marg.
Good
Good
Good
Good
©
©/O
0/0
Toyota Highlander
0-©
Accept.
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
©/O
©/©
Toyota Venza
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
©/O
©/©
Volkswagen Touareg
©
Good
Good
Good
Good
Volvo XC90
SUVS: LARGE/LUXURY
Buick Enclave
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
0/0
©/©
Cadillac Escalade
■lO
0/0
Chevrolet Suburban
O
©
©/O
0/0
Chevrolet Tahoe
O
©
0/0
0/0
Chevrolet Traverse
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
0/0
©/©
Ford Expedition
O/©
CMC Acadia
O
Good
Good
Good
Good
O
0/0
©/©
CMC Yukon
O
©
0/0
0/0
CMC Yukon XL
O
©
©/O
0/0
InfinitlQXSO
O
Land Rover LR4 .........
Land Rover Range Rover
O
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
©
Lexus LX .........
Lincoln Navigator ........
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
O
Nissan Armada
O
0/0
Toyota Land Cruiser
o
Toyota Sequoia
d
©/©
PICKUPS: COMPACT
Chevrolet Colorado
GMC Canyon
Nissan Frontier
o
Good
Good
Accept.
Good
o/©
Toyota Tacoma
o
Good
Good
Good
Marg.
PICKUPS: FULL-SIZED
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
o
Good
O
0/0
©/©
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
©
©/o
0/0
Ford F-150
Ford F-250
d
©
©/o
©/o
GMC Sierra 1500
o
Good
o
0/0
©/©
GMC Sierra 2500HD
©
©/o
0/0
Nissan Titan
o
Good
Good
Accept.
©/o
Ram 1500
o
Good
Good
Marg.
©/■
©/o
Ram 2500
©/■
©/o
Toyota Tundra
•
Good
Good
Good
■lO
o/©
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 235
RATINGS & REFERENCE
Vehicle dimensions
These charts allow you to easily
compare the interior and exterior
dimensions of different models,
along with cargo, load, and towing
capacity. We have detailed data on
260 models, much being compiled
from measurements taken during
our testing. Data for vehicles
not tested by us or not yet on sale
were provided by manufacturers.
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
> Front, rear, and third-row
shoulder room (for vehicles
with third-row seats) are either
our measurements or manufacturer data. For three adults to
sit abreast comfortably, rear shoulder room should be 55 inches
or more.
> Front leg room is the maximum distance from the heel point
of the driver to the base of the seatback, with the seat adjusted
as far back as it will go.
>Rear or third-row leg room is measured with the front seat
adjusted to provide 40 inches of front leg room.
>Head room is the clearance above a 5-foot-9-inch person.
>NA means data are not available; we were unable to measure
the vehicle completely. A dash (-) means not applicable.
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
& WEIGHT
> Length, width, height, and
wheelbase data come from the
manufacturer.
>The weight of tested vehicles is measured on our scales.
Data for other vehicles come from the manufacturer.
CARGO
>Max. load is the maximum weight of passengers and cargo
the vehicle can safely carry. It is specified by the manufacturer
or, in the case of some tested vehicles, calculated based on the
difference between the manufacturer's specified gross weight
and our tested vehicle's weight.
> Cargo volume for wagons, minivans, and sport-utility vehicles is
our measurement with the rear seats folded. We use an adjustable
pipe-frame box and enlarge
it until it no longer fits through
the rear hatch. Data for cars
come from the government.
> Towing capacity is the
maximum weight for the vehicles
we tested. For the ones we did
not test, we included the manu-
facturer's tow rating for a typical
model. NR denotes not recom-
mended for towing.
Make & model
Exterior dimensions & weight
Cargo
Interior dimensions
a>
S
*a>
OJ
OJ
%
*a»
s
O
rd
O
£?
rd
LJ
OD
s
o
1—
(✓T O
O
O
Front hea
o
rd
OJ
or
2
Rear hea
Ln O
O
■o
1—
Third-
rot
O
■a
1—
Acura ILX
179
71
56
105
2,870
850
12.0
NR
55.0
41.0
2.5
50.0
27.5
1.5
Acura MDX
194
77
68
111
4,290
1,175
34.0
5,000
60.5
41.0
4.5
58.5
30.0
3.5
52.0
25.0
0.(
Acura RDX
184
74
66
106
3,850
870
31.5
1,500
58.0
41.0
4.0
56.0
30.0
4.0
Acura RLX
196
74
58
112
3,930
850
13.0
NR
59.5
41.5
3.5
56.0
31.0
3.0
Acura TLX
190
74
57
109
3,480
850
13.0
NR
57.0
41.0
3.0
54.0
27.0
2.5
Alfa Romeo 4C
158
74
47
94
2,465
NA
4.0
NR
50.0
NA
NA
Audi A3
175
70
56
104
3,135
1,100
13.0
NR
54.5
42.0
3.0
51.5
26.0
1.0
Audi A4
185
72
56
111
3,665
1,060
12.0
NR
55.0
41.5
3.5
54.0
25.5
3.0
AudlAS
182
73
54
108
4,050
880
12.0
NR
54.0
42.5
5.0
43.0
24.0
2.0
Audi A6
194
74
58
115
4,075
1,100
14.0
NR
56.0
44.0
4.0
53.0
29.0
3.0
AudiA?
196
75
56
115
4,235
1,100
25.0
NR
56.0
42.5
3.0
54.0
27.5
1.5
Audi AS
207
77
58
123
4,420
1,100
13.0
NR
59.0
43.0
3.5
57.0
34.0
3.5
Audi Allroad
186
71
58
no
3,875
1,125
28.5
1,100
55.0
42.0
3.0
54.0
26.0
3.0
Audi Q3
173
72
63
102
3,495
NA
NA
NA
55.5
NA
NA
53.5
NA
NA
Audi Q5
182
75
65
111
4,190
1,045
32.0
4,410
57.0
42.0
4.5
55.0
25.5
2.5
Audi Q7
200
78
68
118
5,260
1,280
37.0
6,600
58.0
42.0
4.0
56.0
29.0
3.0
48.0
24.5
0.(
Audi TT
165
73
54
97
3,305
550
9.0
NR
52.0
41.0
4.0
BMW 2 Series
175
70
56
106
3,450
805
14.0
NR
54.0
42.0
3.5
51.5
25.0
0.0
BMW 3 Series
183
71
56
111
3,705
905
17.0
NR
54.5
42.0
4.0
54.0
28.5
2.5
BMW 4 Series
183
72
54
111
3,470
NA
NA
NR
57.5
NA
NA
55.0
NA
NA
BMW 5 Series
193
73
57
117
4,035
1,060
14.0
NR
57.0
42.0
3.5
55.0
29.0
4.0
BMW 6 Series
193
75
54
112
4,355
770
13.0
NR
57.0
NA
NA
49.5
NA
NA
BMW 7 Series
205
75
58
126
4,600
1,060
18.0
NR
59.0
42.0
4.0
56.0
35.0
4.0
BMW 13
157
70
62
101
3,140
650
12.0
NR
53.5
42.0
4.5
48.0
26.0
3.0
BMW XI
175
71
61
104
3,780
905
26.0
NR
55.0
42.5
4.0
54.5
26.0
3.5
236 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Make & model
Exterior dimensions & weight
Cargo
Interior dimensions
BMWX3
183
74
65
111
4,135
905
33.0
3,000
57.0
43.0
4.5
55.5
28.5
4.0
BMWX4
184
74
64
111
4,130
905
NA
3,000
57.0
NA
NA
56.0
NA
NA
BMWX5
192
76
69
116
4,745
1,345
34.5
6,000
60.5
42.0
4.5
58.5
27.0
4.5
45.0
23.5
1.0
BMWX6
192
78
67
116
4,895
935
NA
NR
60.0
NA
NA
57.0
NA
NA
BMWZ4
167
71
51
96
3,240
560
6.0
NR
52.0
41.5
4.5
Buick Enclave
202
79
72
119
5,100
1,335
44.0
4,500
62.0
41.5
3.5
60.5
30.0
4.0
56.0
24.0
0.0
Buick Encore
168
70
65
101
3,355
945
26.0
NR
53.0
42.0
4.0
49.0
25.5
4.0
Buick Lacrosse
197
73
59
112
3,815
905
11.0
NR
57.0
44.0
3.5
55.5
31.0
3.5
Buick Regal
190
73
58
108
3,710
925
14.0
NR
56.5
43.0
3.0
53.0
29.0
1.5
Buick Verano
184
71
58
106
3,465
880
14.0
1,000
54.5
44.0
4.0
52.0
27.0
2.5
Cadillac ATS
183
71
56
109
3,420
870
10.0
NR
55.0
43.0
3.5
53.0
27.5
2.0
Cadillac CTS
196
72
57
115
3,915
890
14.0
1,000
56.5
42.0
4.0
53.0
28.5
2.0
Cadillac ELR
186
73
56
106
4,050
750
9.0
NR
55.0
NA
NA
50.0
NA
NA
Cadillac Escalade
204
81
74
116
5,845
1,365
NA
8,000
64.0
NA
NA
64.5
NA
NA
64.5
NA
NA
Cadillac SRX
190
75
66
111
4,525
980
28.5
3,500
58.0
42.5
4.0
55.5
28.0
2.0
Cadillac XTS
202
73
59
112
4,090
925
18.0
1,000
56.0
43.5
3.5
54.0
32.5
3.0
Chevrolet Camaro
190
76
54
112
3,900
730
11.0
1,000
57.0
40.0
3.5
48.5
22.0
0.0
Chevrolet Colorado
213
74
79
128
4,035
1,450
6,700
57.5
NA
NA
57.5
NA
NA
Chevrolet Corvette
177
74
49
107
3,470
525
15.0
NR
53.0
41.0
3.5
Chevrolet Cruze
181
71
58
106
3,130
900
15.0
1,000
54.5
43.0
6.0
53.0
26.0
3.0
Chevrolet Equinox
188
73
66
113
4,155
1,040
33.5
3,500
55.0
43.5
4.5
55.0
32.0
4.5
Chevrolet Impala
201
73
59
112
3,855
945
19.0
1,000
56.0
43.0
4.0
53.0
32.0
2.0
Chevrolet Malibu
192
73
58
108
3,640
925
16.0
NR
57.0
42.5
3.5
55.0
27.0
3.0
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
230
80
74
144
5,415
1,705
11,200
65.0
44.0
8.5
64.0
32.0
5.5
Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
240
81
78
154
7,420
3,175
13,000
65.0
NA
NA
64.5
NA
NA
Chevrolet Sonic
173
68
60
99
2,765
895
14.0
NR
52.0
42.0
5.5
52.0
24.0
2.5
Chevrolet Spark
145
63
61
94
2,345
660
11.0
NR
50.5
39.0
4.0
48.5
26.0
2.0
Chevrolet SS
196
75
58
115
4,025
915
18.0
NR
58.5
44.0
3.5
57.5
30.0
2.0
Chevrolet Suburban
224
81
74
130
5,945
1,455
62.5
8,000
64.5
43.5
4.5
64.5
30.0
5.0
64.0
27.0
4.0
Chevrolet Tahoe
204
81
74
116
5,635
1,580
47.5
8,300
64.5
43.5
4.5
64.5
30.0
4.5
63.5
27.0
0.0
Chevrolet Traverse
204
78
70
119
4,975
1,405
48.5
5,200
61.0
41.0
3.5
60.5
30.0
4.0
55.0
24.0
1.0
Chevrolet Trax
169
70
66
101
3,255
NA
NA
NR
54.0
NA
NA
53.0
NA
NA
Chevrolet Volt
177
71
56
106
3,750
750
11.0
NR
56.5
42.5
3.5
53.0
27.0
2.0
Chrysler 200
192
74
55
108
3,650
900
16.0
NR
57.5
42.0
2.0
55.0
29.0
1.5
Chrysler 300
199
75
58
120
4,095
865
16.0
1,000
57.5
43.0
3.0
54.5
29.5
2.5
Chrysler Town & Country
203
79
68
121
4,685
1,150
61.5
3,600
64.0
41.0
3.0
63.5
32.5
3.0
59.0
27.0
1.5
Dodge Challenger
198
76
57
116
4,195
865
16.0
1,000
58.5
41.5
3.5
54.0
24.0
2.0
Dodge Charger
198
75
58
120
4,015
865
16.0
1,000
59.5
42.5
3.0
58.0
29.0
2.5
Dodge Dart
184
72
58
106
3,260
825
13.0
1,000
57.5
42.0
4.5
54.5
27.5
2.0
Dodge Durango
200
76
71
120
5,105
1,200
44.0
6,200
58.0
42.0
4.0
57.0
28.0
5.0
49.0
26.0
0.0
Dodge Grand Caravan
203
79
68
121
4,685
1,150
61.5
3,600
64.0
41.0
3.0
63.5
32.5
3.0
59.0
27.0
1.5
Dodge Journey
192
72
68
114
4,410
1,165
37.0
2,500
57.0
41.0
4.5
56.5
26.0
4.5
51.0
24.0
0.0
Dodge SRT Viper
176
76
49
99
3,355
NA
15.0
NR
53.0
NA
NA
Fiat 500
140
64
60
91
2,415
750
10.0
NR
48.5
40.5
4.5
46.5
23.0
0.0
FiatsooL
167
70
66
103
3,330
860
22.5
NR
56.0
41.0
7.0
52.5
28.5
3.5
Ford C-MAX
174
72
64
104
3,615
825
28.0
NR
55.5
42.0
7.0
53.0
28.5
5.0
Ford Edge
184
76
67
111
4,385
910
36.5
3,500
59.0
41.5
3.0
59.0
31.0
2.0
Ford Escape
178
72
66
106
3,675
825
35.0
2,000
55.5
42.0
7.0
53.5
28.0
4.5
Ford Expedition
221
79
79
131
6,265
1,440
NA
9,100
63.0
NA
NA
63.5
NA
NA
52.0
NA
NA
Ford Explorer
197
79
70
113
4,780
1,280
42.0
5,000
60.5
42.0
5.5
60.0
27.0
3.5
48.5
27.0
3.0
Ford F-150
232
80
77
145
5,000
NA
9,300
66.5
NA
NA
66.0
NA
NA
Ford F-250
247
80
80
156
7,745
2,080
14,000
64.5
40.0
6.0
67.5
30.5
6.0
Ford Fiesta
174
68
58
98
2,665
825
13.0
NR
52.0
41.5
5.0
48.0
24.5
1.5
Ford Flex
202
80
68
118
4,820
1,160
47.5
4,500
58.5
41.5
6.5
58.0
31.5
7.5
50.0
28.0
2.0
Ford Focus
179
72
58
104
2,990
825
13.0
NR
55.5
42.0
4.5
51.0
27.0
2.0
Ford Focus Electric
173
72
58
104
3,625
825
15.0
NR
55.5
41.5
4.0
50.5
25.5
3.0
Ford Focus ST
172
72
58
104
3,250
825
21.5
NR
55.0
41.0
3.5
50.0
27.5
3.0
Ford Fusion
192
73
58
112
3,615
850
16.0
2,000
57.5
42.0
2.5
54.5
29.0
2.5
Ford Mustang
188
75
54
107
3,720
670
14.0
1,000
56.0
NA
NA
52.0
NA
NA
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 237
DIMENSIONS
1 Make & model
Exterior dimensions & weight
i
Cargo
Interior dimensions
Length (in.)
Width (in.)
Height (in.)
Wheeibase (in.)
Weight (ib.)
Max. ioad (ib.)
Cargo volume
(cu.ft.)
Towing capacity
(Ib.)
Front shoulder
room (in.)
Front leg room
(in.)
Front head room
(in.)
Rear shoulder
room (in.)
Rear leg
room (in.)
Rear head room
(in.)
Third-row shoulder
room (in.)
Third-row leg
room (in.)
Third-row head
room (in.)
Ford Taurus
203
76
61
113
4,090
950
20.0
1,000
57.5
41.5
3.5
56.0
28.5
3.5
Ford Transit Connect
190
72
72
121
3,580
1,270
61.0
2,000
57.5
41.0
13.5
58.0
31.0
10.0
56.5
29.5
6.5
CMC Acadia
201
78
70
119
4,975
1,405
48.5
5,200
61.0
41.0
3.5
60.5
30.0
4.0
55.0
24.0
1.0
CMC Canyon
212
74
79
128
4,035
1,450
6,700
57.5
NA
NA
57.5
NA
NA
CMC Sierra 1500
230
80
74
144
5,415
1,705
11,200
65.0
44.0
8.5
64.0
32.0
5.5
CMC Sierra 2500HD
240
81
78
154
7,420
NA
13,000
65.0
NA
NA
64.5
NA
NA
CMC Terrain
188
73
66
113
3,945
1,095
33.5
1,500
55.5
43.0
6.5
55.5
31.0
5.5
CMC Yukon
204
81
74
116
5,635
1,580
47.5
8,200
64.5
43.5
4.5
64.5
30.0
4.5
63.5
27.0
0.0
CMC Yukon XL
224
81
74
130
5,945
1,455
62.5
8,000
64.5
43.5
4.5
64.5
30.0
5.0
64.0
27.0
4.0
Honda Accord
191
73
58
109
3,245
850
16.0
1,000
58.5
41.0
5.0
55.5
30.0
2.0
Honda Civic
177
69
57
105
2,830
850
13.0
1,000
56.0
41.0
3.0
52.5
27.0
2.0
Honda Civic Si
177
69
57
105
2,890
850
13.0
1,000
56.0
41.0
2.5
52.5
27.0
2.0
Honda Crosstour
197
75
66
no
4,075
850
22.0
1,500
56.0
41.0
4.5
54.5
30.0
3.0
Honda CR-V
178
72
65
103
3,450
850
36.0
1,500
58.0
40.5
4.0
54.5
29.0
4.0
Honda CR-Z
161
69
55
96
2,635
400
25.0
NR
53.0
42.0
3.5
Honda Fit
160
67
60
99
2,625
850
24.0
NR
54.0
40.0
3.5
49.5
29.0
2.0
Honda Odyssey
203
79
68
118
4,530
1,340
61.5
3,500
64.0
41.0
2.5
62.5
32.0
5.0
59.5
29.0
3.5
Honda Pilot
191
79
73
109
4,550
1,340
48.0
4,500
61.0
41.0
4.0
61.5
29.5
6.0
58.0
26.0
1.5
Hyundai Accent
172
67
57
101
2,550
850
14.0
NR
53.0
41.5
5.0
51.0
26.0
2.0
Hyundai Azera
193
73
58
112
3,795
905
16.0
NR
57.0
42.0
3.0
54.0
32.0
3.0
Hyundai Elantra
179
70
56
106
2,770
850
15.0
NR
55.0
42.0
5.0
52.0
28.5
2.0
Hyundai Equus
203
74
59
120
4,570
905
17.0
NR
58.5
41.0
3.5
56.5
33.0
3.5
Hyundai Genesis
197
74
58
119
4,530
905
15.0
NR
57.5
42.0
3.5
56.0
29.5
2.5
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
182
73
55
111
3,460
710
10.0
NR
56.5
41.0
2.5
50.5
24.5
0.0
Hyundai Santa Fe
193
74
67
no
4,210
1,295
40.5
5,000
59.0
41.5
6.0
56.5
30.0
5.0
53.0
31.0
1.0
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
185
74
66
106
3,760
930
35.5
2,000
58.5
41.0
6.0
56.0
28.0
4.5
Hyundai Sonata
191
73
58
no
3,315
905
16.0
NR
57.5
42.5
5.0
55.5
30.5
3.0
Hyundai Tucson
173
72
65
104
3,355
925
25.5
2,000
56.5
42.5
5.0
52.0
29.5
4.5
Hyundai Veloster
166
71
55
104
2,765
700
16.0
NR
54.5
41.5
2.0
50.5
26.5
0.0
Infiniti Q50
188
72
57
112
3,835
900
14.0
NR
55.5
41.5
3.5
54.5
28.0
2.0
Infiniti Q60
183
73
55
112
4,120
750
10.0
NR
53.0
41.5
4.0
43.0
22.0
0.0
Infiniti Q70
195
73
59
114
3,895
860
15.0
NR
57.0
41.5
4.0
54.0
29.5
3.0
Infiniti QX50
182
71
63
no
4,015
860
24.0
NR
54.0
42.0
3.0
53.0
26.0
3.0
Infiniti QX60
196
77
68
114
4,530
1,150
39.0
3,500
59.0
41.5
4.0
59.0
28.0
3.5
55.0
27.0
1.5
Infiniti QX70
191
76
66
114
4,225
950
25.5
2,000
56.5
41.5
3.5
56.0
27.0
4.5
Infiniti QX80
208
80
76
121
5,990
1,590
49.5
8,500
63.5
40.5
5.0
63.0
31.0
5.0
58.0
25.0
2.0
Jaguar F-Type
176
76
51
103
3,520
420
7.0
NR
56.5
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Jaguar XF
195
72
58
115
4,335
880
18.0
4,080
56.5
41.5
3.5
55.5
27.5
2.0
Jaguar XJ
207
75
57
124
4,200
880
15.0
NR
57.0
42.0
2.5
56.0
34.0
2.5
Jeep Cherokee
182
73
66
106
4,120
1,000
31.0
4,500
57.0
42.5
5.5
54.0
29.0
4.0
Jeep Compass
173
69
65
104
3,590
925
26.5
1,000
54.0
41.5
6.5
53.5
27.0
5.0
Jeep Grand Cherokee
190
77
68
115
4,900
1,050
36.5
6,200
58.0
41.5
4.0
57.0
27.0
4.5
Jeep Patriot
174
69
67
104
3,350
925
29.5
1,000
54.5
41.0
4.0
54.0
26.0
6.0
Jeep Renegade
167
71
66
101
3,310
NA
NA
2,000
56.0
NA
NA
55.0
NA
NA
Jeep Wrangler
173
74
71
116
4,570
850
34.5
3,500
56.0
41.0
6.5
58.0
28.0
6.0
Kia Cadenza
196
73
58
112
3,765
905
16.0
NR
57.5
42.5
3.0
54.5
31.0
1.5
Kia Forte
180
70
57
106
2,815
850
15.0
NR
55.0
41.5
4.5
52.5
28.5
2.0
KiaK900
201
75
59
120
4,555
905
16.0
NR
59.0
NA
NA
57.0
NA
NA
Kia Optima
191
72
57
no
3,260
905
15.0
NR
56.5
42.5
4.5
53.5
30.0
3.0
Kia Rio
172
68
57
101
2,575
925
14.0
NR
52.5
42.0
5.0
49.5
26.0
2.5
Kia Sedona
201
78
69
121
4,550
NA
NA
3,500
64.0
NA
NA
63.0
NA
NA
59.5
NA
NA
Kia Sorento
184
74
67
106
4,235
1,120
37.5
3,500
58.5
40.5
3.5
57.5
26.5
2.5
53.0
25.0
0.0
Kia Soul
163
71
63
101
3,055
825
24.5
NR
55.0
42.0
4.5
53.0
28.5
2.5
Kia Sportage
175
73
64
104
3,375
925
28.0
2,000
56.5
42.0
5.5
54.0
29.0
4.0
Land Rover Discovery Sport
181
82
68
108
4,055
NA
NA
4,410
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Land Rover LR2
177
75
69
105
4,325
1,100
30.0
3,500
57.5
41.0
3.5
57.5
27.5
5.0
Land Rover LR4
190
75
72
114
5,710
1,300
52.5
7,715
59.0
40.5
5.0
59.0
27.5
8.0
43.0
27.5
4.5
Land Rover Range Rover
197
78
72
115
5,300
960
34.5
7,715
60.5
42.5
5.5
59.0
29.0
4.0
Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
172
77
64
105
3,940
1,025
25.5
3,500
56.5
42.0
5.0
55.5
25.5
4.5
238 CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015
ConsumerReports.org/cars
Make & model
Exterior dimensions & weight
Cargo
Interior dimensions
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
191
78
70
115
5,255
1,345
31.5
7,715
60.5
42.0
4.5
59.0
28.0
3.0
43.0
23.0
0.0
Lexus CTZOOh
171
70
57
102
3,225
825
18.0
NR
53.5
42.0
3.0
52.0
26.0
3.0
Lexus ES
193
71
57
111
3,575
905
15.0
NR
57.5
42.5
3.0
54.0
30.5
2.5
Lexus GS
191
72
57
112
3,845
825
14.0
NR
56.5
43.0
3.0
55.0
28.0
2.5
Lexus GX
192
74
74
110
5,170
1,155
36.5
6,500
57.0
42.0
5.5
57.0
30.0
6.0
44.0
24.5
1.0
Lexus IS
184
71
56
no
3,715
825
14.0
NR
55.0
42.5
3.0
51.5
28.0
2.5
Lexus LS
205
74
58
122
4,515
825
18.0
NR
57.0
41.5
3.5
53.5
35.0
3.5
Lexus LX
197
78
74
112
5,995
1,410
NA
7,000
61.0
NA
NA
61.5
NA
NA
62.5
NA
NA
Lexus NX
182
73
65
105
4,050
840
NA
2,000
57.5
NA
NA
55.5
NA
NA
Lexus RC
185
72
55
108
3,750
NA
10.0
NR
54.5
NA
NA
51.0
NA
NA
Lexus RX
188
74
68
108
4,870
825
33.5
3,500
58.0
41.5
3.0
57.0
28.5
4.5
Lincoln MKC
179
73
65
106
4,070
825
30.5
3,500
55.5
41.0
4.0
54.0
25.5
2.0
Lincoln MKS
206
76
62
113
4,265
950
19.0
1,000
58.5
42.0
4.0
57.0
29.0
3.5
Lincoln MKT
208
76
67
118
4,980
1,160
36.0
4,500
58.5
41.0
4.0
57.5
30.5
3.0
47.0
27.0
0.0
Lincoln MKX
187
76
67
111
4,525
910
36.5
3,500
59.0
41.5
3.5
58.5
31.0
2.5
Lincoln MKZ
194
73
58
112
3,755
875
15.0
1,000
57.0
41.5
3.0
54.5
28.0
2.0
Lincoln Navigator
208
79
78
119
6,245
NA
NA
9,000
63.0
NA
NA
64.0
NA
NA
50.0
NA
NA
Maserati Ghibli
196
77
58
118
4,625
925
18.0
NR
57.5
42.0
3.0
55.5
26.0
2.5
Mazda CX-5
179
72
66
106
3,435
850
33.0
2,000
56.5
42.0
4.0
54.0
28.5
4.5
Mazda CX-9
200
76
68
113
4,585
1,190
37.5
3,500
58.0
41.0
3.0
57.5
30.0
4.5
45.5
24.5
0.0
Mazda MX-5 Miata
157
68
49
92
2,610
340
5.0
NR
53.0
40.0
1.5
MazdaZ
156
68
58
98
2,390
850
13.0
NR
52.5
40.0
4.0
49.0
24.5
1.5
Mazda3
180
71
57
106
2,875
850
12.0
NR
57.0
41.5
4.0
52.0
28.0
4.0
MazdaS
181
69
64
108
3,495
1,020
39.0
NR
55.0
41.0
4.0
55.0
29.0
4.5
48.0
22.5
0.0
MazdaG
192
72
57
111
3,185
850
15.0
NR
57.0
41.0
4.0
53.5
29.0
3.0
Mercedes-Benz B-Class
Electric Drive
172
71
63
106
3,165
785
NA
NR
55.5
NA
NA
54.5
NA
NA
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
185
71
57
112
3,670
795
17.0
NR
55.0
44.0
3.0
53.0
26.5
1.5
Mercedes-Benz CLA
182
70
57
106
3,335
860
13.0
NR
55.0
44.5
2.5
52.0
27.5
0.0
Mercedes-Benz CLS
195
74
56
113
4,160
915
15.0
NR
57.0
NA
NA
56.5
NA
NA
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
192
73
57
113
3,935
770
16.0
NR
56.0
44.0
3.0
56.0
28.5
3.0
Mercedes-Benz GLA
174
71
60
106
3,535
795
NA
NA
55.0
NA
NA
53.0
NA
NA
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
202
84
73
121
5,660
1,180
47.0
7,500
58.0
42.5
4.5
57.5
28.0
6.0
50.0
25.5
4.5
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class
178
74
67
109
4,200
905
32.0
3,500
54.0
42.5
4.0
54.0
25.5
5.5
Mercedes-Benz M-Class
189
76
71
115
4,915
1,080
37.5
7,200
58.0
41.5
4.5
57.5
27.0
4.5
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
207
75
59
125
4,935
915
16.0
NR
59.0
45.0
3.5
57.0
33.0
3.0
Mercedes-Benz SL
182
74
52
102
3,935
NA
14.0
NR
55.5
NA
NA
Mercedes-Benz SLK
163
72
51
96
3,225
560
10.0
NR
50.5
42.5
4.5
Mini Cooper
151
68
56
98
2,785
670
9.0
NR
49.5
42.5
3.0
46.0
24.0
3.0
Mini Cooper Countryman
162
70
62
102
3,305
860
19.5
NR
52.5
42.0
4.5
50.0
28.5
3.0
Mini Paceman
162
70
62
102
3,110
NA
12.0
NR
53.0
NA
NA
52.0
NA
NA
Mitsubishi i-MiEV
145
62
64
100
2,610
660
13.0
NR
52.5
39.5
5.0
50.0
25.0
4.5
Mitsubishi Lancer
180
69
58
104
3,015
825
12.0
NR
55.0
40.5
5.0
54.0
27.0
1.5
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
177
71
58
104
3,610
825
7.0
NR
54.5
42.0
6.0
54.5
29.0
2.0
Mitsubishi Mirage
149
66
59
97
2,085
825
17.0
NR
51.5
40.0
4.0
50.0
26.5
2.0
Mitsubishi Outlander
183
71
66
105
3,505
1,155
32.5
1,500
56.0
41.0
6.5
55.0
30.0
4.0
51.0
24.0
0.0
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
169
70
64
105
3,290
825
25.5
NR
56.0
41.0
5.0
55.0
27.0
3.5
Nissan Altima
192
72
58
109
3,130
900
15.0
NR
56.0
42.0
5.5
54.5
29.0
2.0
Nissan Armada
208
79
76
123
5,700
1,380
58.5
9,000
64.0
41.5
4.0
63.5
33.5
5.5
63.0
26.5
0.0
Nissan Cube
157
67
65
100
2,855
860
28.0
NR
52.5
40.5
8.0
50.0
29.0
5.5
Nissan Frontier
206
73
70
126
4,655
1,160
6,100
58.0
40.0
3.0
58.0
27.0
3.5
Nissan Juke
162
70
62
100
3,170
860
11.0
NR
53.5
41.0
3.0
49.0
25.0
1.5
Nissan Leaf
175
70
61
106
3,360
860
15.0
NR
54.0
41.0
6.5
51.5
28.5
2.5
Nissan Maxima
191
73
58
109
3,555
900
14.0
1,000
55.5
42.0
4.0
54.0
30.0
2.0
Nissan Murano
192
75
67
111
4,190
900
NA
3,500
59.5
NA
NA
58.0
NA
NA
Nissan Pathfinder
192
73
72
112
4,505
1,150
39.5
5,000
60.0
42.0
4.5
60.0
29.5
3.0
56.0
25.5
2.0
Nissan Quest
201
78
72
118
4,570
1,160
62.0
3,500
64.5
41.0
7.0
63.0
28.5
5.5
61.0
26.0
4.0
Nissan Rogue
182
72
66
107
3,590
900
31.5
1,100
56.0
40.5
5.0
54.5
29.0
2.5
NA
NA
NA
Nissan Sentra
182
69
59
106
2,835
860
15.0
NR
54.5
41.0
5.0
53.0
30.0
2.0
ConsumerReports.org/cars
CONSUMER REPORTS O NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 239
DIMENSIONS
1 Make & model
1 Exterior dimensions & weight
Cargo
Interior dimensions
Length (in.)
Width (in.)
Height (in.)
Wheeibase (in.)
Weight (lb.)
Max. load (lb.)
Cargo volume
(cu.ft.)
Towing capacity
(lb.)
Front shoulder
room (in.)
Front leg room
(in.)
Front head room
(in.)
Rear shoulder
room (in.)
Rear leg
room (in.)
Rear head room
(in.)
Third-row shoulder
room (in.)
Third-row leg
room (in.)
Third-row head
room (in.)
Nissan Titan
225
79
77
140
5,275
1,600
9,100
65.0
41.0
6.0
64.0
31.0
5.0
Nissan Versa
175
67
60
102
2,430
850
15.0
NR
50.5
41.0
5.0
50.5
32.0
2.0
Nissan Versa Note
164
67
61
102
2,470
850
21.0
NR
51.0
41.0
6.0
48.5
31.0
4.0
Nissan Xterra
179
73
75
106
4,480
920
45.5
5,000
58.0
41.0
4.0
57.0
28.0
4.0
Nissan Z
167
73
52
100
3,385
450
7.0
NR
54.0
39.0
3.0
Porsche 911
177
71
51
96
3,235
660
5.0
NR
50.0
43.0
4.5
47.0
19.0
0.0
Porsche Boxster
172
71
51
97
3,035
485
5.0
NR
50.0
42.5
3.5
Porsche Cayenne
191
79
67
114
4,795
1,280
33.0
7,715
58.5
41.5
4.5
55.0
28.0
2.5
Porsche Cayman
172
71
51
95
2,955
485
9.0
NR
50.5
NA
NA
Porsche Macan
184
76
64
111
4,415
1,150
29.0
5,290
56.5
42.0
4.5
54.5
25.5
2.0
Porsche Panamera
196
76
56
115
4,165
1,080
16.0
NR
56.5
43.5
4.5
53.0
29.0
3.5
Ram 1500
229
79
79
141
5,495
1,270
10,050
65.5
41.5
7.0
65.5
31.0
2.5
Ram 2500
228
80
79
141
7,320
2,290
13,450
65.5
41.0
6.5
66.0
31.0
4.0
Scion FR-S
167
70
51
101
2,770
700
7.0
NR
54.5
41.5
3.5
50.0
21.5
0.0
Scion iQ
120
66
59
79
2,140
660
4.0
NR
52.5
40.5
3.0
49.0
16.0
0.0
Scion tC
177
71
56
106
3,155
865
15.0
NR
55.0
42.0
3.0
50.5
29.5
2.0
Scion xB
167
69
64
102
3,120
850
34.0
NR
55.5
41.0
5.5
53.5
29.0
6.5
Smart ForTwo
106
61
61
74
1,805
505
8.0
NR
47.5
41.5
3.5
Subaru BRZ
167
70
51
101
2,770
700
7.0
NR
54.5
41.5
3.5
50.0
21.5
0.0
Subaru Forester
181
71
66
104
3,370
900
35.5
1,500
56.0
41.5
3.5
55.0
30.0
3.5
Subaru Impreza
180
69
58
104
3,015
850
12.0
NR
55.5
41.5
5.5
53.0
29.0
3.0
Subaru WRX/STi
180
69
58
103
3,320
850
11.0
NR
55.5
42.0
3.5
53.5
29.0
3.0
Subaru Legacy
189
72
59
108
3,470
850
15.0
NR
58.0
43.0
5.5
57.0
30.0
3.0
Subaru Outback
190
72
66
108
3,640
900
34.0
2,700
58.0
42.5
6.5
57.0
29.5
4.5
Subaru XV Crosstrek
175
70
62
104
3,165
900
23.0
1,500
55.0
41.5
5.5
53.0
29.0
3.5
Tesla Model S
196
77
57
117
4,695
920
32.0
NR
57.0
42.0
6.0
53.0
29.0
0.0
Tesla Model X
197
82
64
121
NA
NA
NA
NR
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Toyota 4Runner
190
76
72
no
4,665
1,155
44.5
5,000
57.5
41.5
3.5
57.5
30.0
4.0
57.5
NA
NA
Toyota Avalon
195
72
58
111
3,555
930
16.0
NR
57.5
41.5
3.0
56.5
31.0
3.0
Toyota Camry
189
72
58
109
3,155
905
15.0
NR
57.5
42.0
5.0
55.5
29.0
3.0
Toyota Corolla
183
70
57
106
2,900
865
13.0
NR
54.0
41.5
3.0
53.0
29.0
1.5
Toyota Highlander
191
76
68
no
4,490
1,385
40.5
5,000
58.5
42.0
4.0
58.5
31.5
5.5
53.0
27.5
1.0
Toyota Land Cruiser
195
78
74
112
5,855
1,230
43.0
8,500
61.0
41.5
3.5
60.5
31.0
4.5
56.5
25.0
1.0
Toyota Prius
176
69
59
106
3,115
825
22.0
NR
55.0
41.5
5.0
52.0
28.0
2.0
Toyota Prius C
157
67
57
100
2,545
845
19.0
NR
52.0
41.0
4.0
48.5
27.0
2.5
Toyota Prius V
182
70
62
109
3,280
915
32.0
NR
56.0
42.0
5.5
54.0
30.0
3.5
Toyota RAV4
180
73
65
105
3,535
900
37.0
1,500
57.0
42.0
2.5
54.0
31.0
5.0
Toyota Sequoia
205
80
75
122
6,025
1,230
61.0
7,300
65.5
41.5
3.5
65.5
33.5
4.5
65.0
26.0
4.0
Toyota Sienna
200
78
69
119
4,445
1,390
70.5
3,500
64.0
42.0
5.5
63.5
33.0
4.5
60.0
28.0
3.0
Toyota Tacoma
208
75
70
128
4,325
1,050
6,400
56.5
42.0
4.5
56.5
26.5
3.5
Toyota Tundra
229
80
76
146
5,740
1,395
9,700
64.5
42.5
5.5
63.0
28.5
3.5
Toyota Venza
189
75
63
109
4,125
825
33.0
3,500
59.0
41.0
5.0
57.5
30.0
4.5
Toyota Yaris
154
67
59
99
2,385
845
16.0
NR
51.5
41.5
4.5
49.5
26.0
2.0
Volkswagen Beetle
168
71
59
100
3,040
820
11.0
NR
54.5
41.5
5.5
46.0
25.0
1.5
Volkswagen CC
189
73
56
107
3,420
925
13.0
2,000
55.0
43.0
3.0
54.0
27.5
2.0
Volkswagen Eos
174
71
57
102
3,580
885
11.0
1,500
53.0
42.0
4.5
39.5
24.0
0.0
Volkswagen Golf
168
71
57
104
3,090
1,005
24.0
NR
55.5
44.0
4.0
52.5
28.0
3.5
Volkswagen GTl
166
70
58
102
3,155
1,045
24.0
NR
55.5
42.5
4.0
52.5
27.0
3.5
Volkswagen Jetta
182
70
57
104
3,130
1,080
16.0
NR
54.5
43.0
4.0
53.0
30.5
3.0
Volkswagen Jetta G LI
182
70
57
104
3,105
1,120
16.0
1,500
55.0
43.0
3.5
53.5
30.0
2.5
Volkswagen Passat
192
72
59
no
3,450
1,130
16.0
1,000
56.5
43.5
4.0
56.0
33.5
2.5
Volkswagen Tiguan
174
71
66
103
3,785
1,145
30.0
2,200
55.0
42.0
5.0
52.0
28.0
1.5
Volkswagen Touareg
189
76
67
114
5,060
1,105
34.5
7,700
59.5
43.0
5.5
56.5
31.0
5.0
Volvo S60
182
73
58
109
3,610
1,025
12.0
3,500
56.5
41.0
3.5
53.5
28.0
2.5
Volvo S80
191
73
59
112
3,850
905
15.0
3,500
57.0
41.0
3.5
56.5
28.0
3.5
Volvo V60
183
73
58
109
3,525
NA
NA
3,500
57.0
NA
NA
55.0
NA
NA
Volvo XC60
182
74
67
109
4,275
950
32.5
3,500
56.0
41.0
4.5
54.0
26.5
4.0
Volvo XC70
191
74
63
111
4,170
900
36.5
3,500
57.5
42.0
3.0
57.0
28.5
4.0
Volvo XC90
189
75
70
113
4,830
NA
NA
NA
57.5
NA
NA
56.5
NA
NA
54.0
NA
NA
240 CONSUMER REPORTS o NEW CAR BUYING GUIDE 2015 ConsumerReports.org/cars
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Estimated Member Price $25,550 Show Price on the Curve
* Indicates that shoppers have the potential to negotiate a price significantly below the average price
paid. Unfortunately, because the flexibility is high, it also means that many car dealerships may be
selling above the average price paid. Bell shaped curve for reference only.
Find the target price
range you can expect
to pay for your new car.
$26,650
$24,514
Bottom Line Summary
A good price for this car is
$26,650
or less.
Dealer willingness to negotiate
pricing for the model is
High +■
View Dealer Pricing
B
Preferred Optional
Equipment & Packages
you've selected
$0
Customer Incentives
$0
currently included in
this price report:
Edit
See how flexible
dealers have been
in negotiating for
the car you want.
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Or go to www.ConsumerReports.org/cr/BigSavings514
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